P.B. and J.

by TheAmazingMe

First published

Blueblood has royally screwed up his life since landing in the lap of luxury. His foalhood dreams of rising to become ruler of Equestria grow more faint with every new princess. Can a blunt Baker be the pony that Blueblood didn't know he needed?

Princess Celestia finally has enough of the selfish Prince, but everypony has a story. Can an unlikely special somepony bring out the best in Blueblood? Some flavors clash. Some flavors mingle. Does a bit of sweetness make up for a lifetime of sour?

The lives of the pampered prince and the brash and brawny baker become intertwined thanks to Blueblood's uncanny abilities. Can this donut-doling darling deal with the prideful, persnickety Prince?

(I promise there isn't a ton of Alliteration in the story)

P.B. and ... Alcohol?

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Cinnamon.

It's a common enough spice in Equestria. Canterlot certainly has enough of the stuff to bury a sizable portion of the populace. A pony of means wouldn't ever think about where it came from. There wasn't a single reason why it should be on my mind. Thanks to one pony, it was all I could think about. But that’s putting a cart in front of one disastrously handsome pony, don’t you think?

Perhaps I could blame my common upbringing. I wasn't born to privilege, as shocking as that may be. My parents passed away when I was young, leaving me to grow up in an orphanage. Without a doubt, I wouldn't have had much of a life were it not for my dear 'aunt.' Who would question the word of the ruler of Equestria? Certainly not the poor, misbred types in the orphanage.

I'd put the filthy place and the filthier ponies behind me. Celestia's strange act of kindness gave me a few new advantages. Friends, even the fake, disposable ones you could find under any rock in the capitol, were always close at hoof. When you’re the presumed heir to the throne, the lower bred and upper crust alike were easy to spread. Fillies, mares, even stallions, all vied for my attention.

“Blue!” The voice was insistent and annoyed, but I ignored it. There was something more important.

As I got older, I came to know the pleasures they would willingly give me in exchange for a few pleasant words or even merely being in my presence. Even as my star fell and others would ascend to Ali Ron status. The power I still had was intoxicating. My aunt could keep her court; I was the prince of pleasure.

“I swear by your aunt if you don’t get in my carriage this very instant!” This voice was truly grating. Did I come here with here? Where even was I?

These pleasures were short-lived. My appetite was insatiable at times and my attention even more fleeting than the flight of a hummingbird. Most ponies floated away like leaves in a whirlwind. Some blew up at me like fireworks. Those flashes could be entertaining.

“You need to get your sugar-daddy snatching hooves off of this stallion or I’ll ruin you and your family. Don’t think I can’t, I’m of noble blood!” Heather, that was her name! The pink, velvety coated beauty I’d been sitting with, or had I been talking this whole time? Well, she slinked away and Heather had my full attention now. She was very pretty, much like a firework.

Then again, some blew up a little too close to my perfect face.

“Carriage. Now!” She ordered. Ordinarily, I would have objected to being ordered around, but there was something very sexy about seeing her threaten another mare. I followed her out of the club and onto the street. She had to order her driver, Pansy? Parsley? Whatever his name, she ordered him to help me into the carriage.

I drifted in and out during her harangue. Even so, I caught the gist of it, belittling everything from my alcohol tolerance to my parentage. Given that I was too far gone to care, I well, didn’t care.

I think I’d been snoring, because the next thing I knew she was shoving my chest and screeching at me. "Get out of my carriage, you-you hedonist!" I'd been called worse. Although she was the most well-bred of any of my conquests. Also this was her carriage, I’d humored her when we went out even though the carriage I had use of was susbstantially nicer. And enclosed.

I wasn't sober enough to deal with her annoying orders. "Lighten up. Do you know how far it is from the castle? I’m freezing enough as it is in this open air contraption.”

She was apparently having none of it. I scrambled my admittedly less than sober brains to come up with a reason. "I'm certain I don't care! It would teach you to play with the emotions of a proper young mare." She huffed. She ordered the driver to stop. The subservient pony complied readily. The dumb bastard was too short-sighted to realize he'd likely take the brunt of it when her parents found out he allowed her to kick a prince to the curb. Literally. “Out,” she insisted.

"Lady Heather Fields, you just listen to me you silly mare!" I began.

She cut me off rudely. "Not another word. Out before I have the driver show you his skill with a whip!"

"'Druther see your skill with a whip—hey!" She actually shoved me. Me!

I stumbled, inelegantly landing half on the curb and half in the gutter. The sheer nerve of it all took my breath away. Her behavior far eclipsed that filly at the Gala! As I stood, I realized I'd landed in a disgustingly dirty puddle. Without another word, they were off again before I could do more than shoot her a withering glance. I shook myself, not dislodging the filth I'd accumulated one bit. From what I could tell in the dim streetlights, I might have actually made things worse. Cringing at my state, I stamped a hoof. Once again, I felt the splash of the puddle beneath me as my reward for the fit of pique.

Celestia! All this over a little flirting with another mare at the club. I remembered the mare in question now that I was cold and wet. Heather Fields was high born, but even she wouldn't have ever gotten into the club without me! That's gratitude for you. She only had to deal with the fleeting indignity, I'd be washing my mane and coat for a week to get rid of this smell!

Looking around to get my bearings, I realized swiftly that I had no clue where I was. I could hardly be blamed; I had ponies in charge of little details like locations. Not to mention I wasn't in my finest state of mind between the alcohol I'd consumed and the anger I felt at being shoved out into the cold.

Speaking of which, I began to definitely feel the chill of the night's air. It seeped into me through the wet spot on my front. I'd have to have words with my nightmare aunt for this freakish autumn cold snap. The weather had always seemed perfect before Princess Celestia allowed her evil sister to ascend to rule with her.

I pouted at the thought. I’d been chosen to rule, but the second other alicorns showed up, Celestia disinherited me. It was cruel of her to have ever declared me a crown prince before I’d had a chance to develop a talent that would earn me alicorn-hood. Celestia never taught me to raise the moon. Or how to make friends. Or how to love, even.

The filly who had taught me love-making had only made my life worse when I reminded her that I was a prince. She’d been good in bed but she was no peer.

Casting aside the thought, I lit my horn. With irritation, I noticed that my usual golden glow was blue. Magical color depended somewhat on preference and usually I preferred to make my aura golden as befitting a prince. In the blue glow I realized I’d had a few more than I thought. The cold and wet hadn’t sobered me up enough for this. I went with my gut feeling on a direction and stumbled through the dimly lit streets. There were bound to be ponies I could use to get directions or maybe even a ride.

Instead, a half a block from where I started, I heard a voice. "E-excuse me, sir. Are you going very far? You look about ready to catch a cold. What are you doing out this late?" I didn’t even turn towards the gruff voice behind me.

"I'm trudging." I answered spitefully.

"What?" He asked simply. Perhaps he was hard of hearing, or maybe it was that I was turned away from him.

I sighed, turned halfways, and spoke more loudly. "Trudging. You know, to trudge. The slow, weary, depressing yet determined walk of a stallion who has nothing left in life except the impulse to simply soldier on."

I quoted a line from a play about a tale of knights that some pretty face or another had dragged me to. It was the only memorable part of the evening; she was another of those 'proper mares.' Maybe I'd give up proper mares entirely. They seemed to be nothing but trouble. I'm sure my aunt Celestia would be scandalized, if she even noticed anything I did anymore.

"Well, if you wanna trudge into my shop and warm yourself, you could." I took a closer look at my would-be hero. He was a brown unicorn with an even darker brown mane. His muzzle was a bit rounder than most stallions. By his apparel, I'd guessed he was a baker; his apron, white chef's shirt and small hat gave it away. His rough accent wasn't any part of Canterlot I recognized.

He spoke again, interrupting my inspection. "I'll even throw in a donut and some hot chocolate. On the house."

I walked up to him and looked him over curiously. He hadn’t used my honorific. For whatever reason, perhaps it was my wounded dignity, protocol was very important to me just then. "I'm Prince Blueblood, nephew to Princess Celestia and...” I blanked on my other titles. Didn’t I have other titles? I couldn’t remember. “And a very important pony." I finished lamely.

Without a moment's hesitation, he stuck out a forehoof. "I'm Joe. Ponies call me Donut Joe or Pony Joe.”

“Pony Joe?” I asked, confused at the name as much as at his total lack of reaction towards the fact that a prince stood before him. I puffed out my chest and lifted my chin. From his expression, the effect was less than flattering.

He held a hoof to his nose. “Okay, maybe we add some coffee to take the alcohol down a notch. Now let’s get inside before we have a prince-icle to thaw.” He said with a smile.

I frowned, but started for the door. When I realized he hadn’t made a move to hold the door for me, I turned to stare at him darkly. Rudely, he slapped my flank. The contact startled me into opening the door (mostly with my face) and stumbling into the shop.

A combination of bluster and booze kept me from doing more than spluttering at him indignantly. It hit me as I stared at his smile. Either he thought I was some filthy crazed pony or he was into stallions. Or both.

"You wanna freshen up a bit? You look a little...messy." Ah, he thought I was a crazy dirty pony then. I lifted my chin again and stalked over to the common bathroom he pointed out. Were it not for the state of my dress, I'd have no doubt impressed him as a vision of perfection.

The smell of the bakery finally made its way through my booze-addled senses and I closed my eyes in appreciation. This proved to be among the many poor choices I'd made prior (and since), as I tripped over a wet floor sign and hit the ground.

Hard.

To put it lightly, that's when I called it a night.

P.B. and ... Pancakes?

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I woke up with a terrible headache and a horrid taste in my mouth. Moaning, I rolled over and covered my head with a pillow. The covers weren’t as soft as I remembered, although I might’ve been addled by last night’s libations. Then, like a series of waves, it hit me.

This was not my bed.

I was not wearing a single stitch.

That shirt had been my favorite white one.

The scent of cheap soap meant I was clean.

A soft, stalliony chuckle told me I was not here alone.

Sweet Celestia.

“Welcome back to the land of the living.” A cheery, semi-familiar voice chimed.

Another groan. “’Druther be dead.”

A laugh. It was just a few notes away from painful. “Pain is supposed to teach you a lesson. What have you learned?”

I cracked an eye open to glare at my nursemaid. The pain from the light had me scrunching the lid back over the offended organ. It didn’t help much and I moaned again. “Oh, I’m never drinking again.”

“I have something that might help with that hangover.” A drink with ice rattled nearby. I resisted the urge to blast it.

My head pounded like I’d struck it against a wall. “If it's not at least 15% alcohol by volume, I don’t care.”

This elicited another chuckle. Eventually, I was sure he would either enrage me or destroy my head with just his voice. “So much for never drinking again. Do this often?”

I considered how to answer. My tutor always advised in awkward situations it was best to answer a question with a question. Of course, she never answered any of my most burning questions. “The drinking, the blackout, or waking up in a strange stallion's bed?”

He didn’t miss a beat. “Yes to all of those.”

I rolled over and sat up. Given that I didn’t immediately puke, I felt charitable enough to give a straight answer. “Yes, sometimes, and not as often as it seems.”

I opened my eyes to see Joe. Pony Joe the donut baker. “I called for a doctor when you hit the floor. While we were cleaning you up, we realized who you were…”

“Told you.” It sounded more petulant than I intended.

He shrugged and leaned back. “You were drunk and dirty. Not exactly prime Prince condition.”

I scoffed. “I could hardly be blamed for either.”

“Of course.” I didn’t appreciate the tone.

I narrowed my eyes. “And a tough guy like you just invited a drunk dirty stranger into your bakery?”

He nodded. “Yes. Homelessness is rare around here, but it does happen.”

I resisted the urge to shake my head at him. Real tough guy voice, but this guy was a pastry puff. “And you weren’t worried about a random lush causing damage to your business or worse, attack you?”

One side of his mouth quirked upwards. It was annoyingly attractive in a very unpolished way. “If you go around expecting the worst from ponies, that’s all you’ll ever see. I do my best to help ponies in need and I’m rarely harmed in the process,” he said as he stood. Retrieving an offering of a glass of hangover potion, he returned and set it on the table beside me.

“I find you annoyingly, foalishly optimistic.” I announced as I took the medicine. I'd tasted worse, but that was long ago.

Joe shrugged. “Guilty as charged.”

Shuddering at the taste, I finished and replied. “Well, at least I didn’t turn up at the castle like that. My aunt would be on my case all day today.”

“Oh, well, I might give you a heads-up then. I sent a message to the castle to let them know where you were.” I looked up at him balefully. He seemed completely unfazed.

Thinking about what Celestia must have heard, I tensed. “By ‘a message to the castle,' you mean…”

He smirked, taking his dear sweet time watching me squirm before he finally answered. “To the head of Princess Luna’s House Guard, who was the top guard on duty at the time.”

I heaved a sigh of relief. I’d just have to convince Luna not to tell her sister. Then again, that would be harder than it sounded. We weren’t exactly close. I had until Luna woke up around midafternoon, if I was lucky.

His eyes must have noticed some subtle change in my demeanor. He looked down, then back at me. “I’m sorry. I didn’t want them to worry about you, so…”

“They wouldn’t have worried about me.” I answered tersely.

He frowned. “That’s a little rough. Princess Celestia…”

“Her Highness hasn’t spoken to me, except to express her disappointment, in quite some time.” I said stiffly.

“I didn’t know.” He said.

I sniffed. “I’m not surprised a nopony like you didn't. Nopony knows.”

He seemed to brush my rudeness off like crumbs. “If the rumors are to be believed about you, Prince Blueblood, then I would understand her disappointment.”

“You don’t know the first thing about me.” I said crossly.

“I'd like to.” Joe said boldly.

“Why? What game are you playing? Trying to get a job as the castle donut maker?” I asked accusingly.

He shook his head, that annoying smile back on his face. “I like travelling too much to want to spend my life in a castle.”

His words struck a chord. It was a sentiment I could agree with, although it had never been allowed. Even before I lost favor with my aunt, my tutor hated traveling. “Well, at least you have that much right.” The bitterness seeped through more than I’d intended.

For someone who ran a donut shop, Joe was remarkably perceptive. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to…”

“Remind me of my gilded cage?” I offered.

He snorted. “That’s a bit melodramatic. Have you ever tried setting up a vacation outside of Canterlot?”

I scoffed. “To do what? I’m not the charity-shilling type. I’m not a patron of any reputable business or organization. Do you think royalty can just flit about without a reason?” I waved a forelimb dramatically. He didn't respond.

I sighed heavily. “I was born to privilege and with that comes specific obligations.”

His brows furrowed. “Horse shit. “Sounds like you haven’t tried very hard.”

“How would you know? You don’t know anything about me?” I repeated.

“Why don’t you tell me about you?” He insisted.

“I’ve told you about me and you either don’t believe me or don’t believe I’m trying.”

“You haven’t told me about you.” He stated calmly.

I crossed my forelimbs, trying and failing to regain my composure. Exhaling sharply through my nostrils, I gave up on trying. “What are you talking about? Of course I have!” I was suddenly aware of how petulant I looked. And sounded. This really was the worst, to know that I was acting improperly and yet be unable to control it. My tutor would have been livid.

Joe continued probing my emotions. “You’ve spoken of the Princess, of what you are not, and of what you are sure you can’t do. None of that is ‘you.’”

My ire rose. “I’m an elite. A prince. And I’m quite through with this useless conversation. Has my escort arrived to return me to the palace?”

“No.” Joe waved a scroll in one hoof. “In accordance with the orders of Her Royal Highness Princess Luna, His Royal Highness Prince Blueblood is to make an appearance at the Court of the Night on his own behest and at the open of court hours of the date listed below.”

He passed the letter to me and added, “It’s today’s date, by the way.”

“I can read.” I hissed. The letter had a second page addressed to Joe, thanking him for saving my life and dignity. No wonder he felt so comfortable being cheeky.

And there I sat, alive, yet most indignant. “I suppose you think this is funny.”

“It has a certain humor to it, but I’m not all that happy.” He admitted.

“Why not?” I asked venomously. His caring act was really starting to bother me. To all outward appearances, he should be gruff, reserved and easy to dismiss. “Most ponies would be giddy at the chance to see me in disgrace.”

He tilted his head and thought a moment. There, that was the difference between his looks and his personality. At some point, he’d learned to think. “I have a feeling those ponies might have their reasons for doing so. On the other hoof, I have no reason to be happy that my guest is upset.”

“I am NOT upset!” I roared at him.

“I can see that.” He said drily. “Just call a cab and you’re off to see the princess.”

“I don’t have any bits on me.” I admitted.

He snorted. “And the castle guard wouldn’t cover for you?”

“Under the circumstances, the note does say at my own behest.” I trailed off at the thought of Aunt Celestia hearing about me begging cab fare off of a guardpony. “And I really don’t want Celestia to know what happened last night.”

Joe looked down. That was it, I couldn’t have anypony pity me. “Hmm. You don’t think Princess Luna’s already told her?”

His question distracted me from his pitying look. “If she went through the trouble to summon me, no. If she’d told Celestia, I’d be dragged into the Court of the Day.”

"I'll go with you." Joe offered. "We can even get pancakes on the way."

"What?" I asked, stunned.

His lips curled up. "Pancakes are a flat, round, fried cake. Usually served with syrup..."

"I know." I said testily.

He shrugged again. "Well, unless you have another way to get to the castle. The castle is several blocks away. You might get there in time for Court. If you leave now, that is."

I narrowed my eyes. "Fine. I just have one question."

"Yes?" He asked.

I felt heat rush to my face. "Where are my clothes?"

P.B. and ... Chocolate?

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"I'd say 'relax' if I thought you would listen to anything I have to say now." Joe remarked.

Unclenching my jaw, I hissed at him, "So now you aren’t going to say things I don’t want to hear? Where was this stallion when I was getting grilled at a bakery?”

His annoying smirk was really starting to frustrate me. “You can leave."

"I don't want to." He said, cheerfully.

Bad enough that I was forced to appear at my 'Aunt' Luna's Night Court. Worse, I had to wait in line. The guards seemed to get a kick out of making sure I waited as long as possible. Finally, the tooth-decaying icing on this flank-fattening cake was that HE wouldn't just leave.

"What are you--" I was rudely cut off by one of Luna's House Guards.

I took one look at this white coated pegasus and decided I wanted no part of him. Thankfully, he seemed equally uninterested in me. "Her Royal Highness will see you now. She requests the presence of Mr. Joe, should he be so inclined."

"Thank you, we'll be in presently." Joe said to the guard. He turned to me. "Ready to get this over with?"

"Beyond ready." I moaned.

We approached Luna's throne, making the appropriate bows as we came to stand before her.

"Ah, if it isn't Our Nephew." She said. "Our gracious subject, Mr. Pony Joe, We thank you for your service to Our Nephew. Please rise."

I spoke. "Aunt Luna..."

She held up a hoof. "That you would be so informal does not bode well for the idea that you have learned a lesson. Lady Heather Fields is a mare of gentle upbringing. Our Court has a complaint against you from her father. We—I hope you realize the seriousness of this action."

I nodded. A complaint against a noble could result in one of many scenarios. In the most extreme cases, banishment, being stripped of titles and imprisonment could be utilized. Luna and I were not on good terms. I didn't think she'd go that far, but I recognized the danger that she could.

Luna continued. "As I understand it, nephew, this is not the first complaint to come against you. That this complaint should come from another noble house only serves disharmony..."

The speech was so predictable. Luna must've studied Celestia's speech and memorized it by heart. Actually, Luna probably put more feeling into it than her sister.

"...a duty to Canterlot and her citizens..."

Idly, I wondered if I'd actually get sent to one of the House of Day holdings outside of Canterlot. It would put a serious cramp in my lifestyle, but it would allow me to get out of the city. So long as it was sufficiently civilized. With a sniff of disdain, I thought of Ponyville.

"DOST THOU ATTEND US, NEPHEW?" The use of the Royal Canterlot Voice caught my attention as it blew me back a step.

"Of course, Your Highness." I said.

"Well then, I do hope you have something to say in your defense?" She asked, eyebrow arched. She was definitely playing from Celestia’s playbook.

I shook my head. "I await your judgment."

She sighed. "That thou wouldst take an honorable mare out under false pretenses speaks nothing good of thy character. Were this but your first offense, We might rule less harshly. But since this matter happened during Our night, it falls to Us to make a ruling on the conduct of nobles. Even nobles of Our Sister’s House. Wouldst thou truly say naught in your own interest?”

Her expression left me no choice, it was time to break out the A game. I hated using it, but I'd screwed up royally by zoning her out completely. Bowing low, I let out a single tear and said plaintively. "I can only humbly beg your mercy, Your Highness."

I dared a look upwards. The show of emotion seemed to have an affect on my aunt. Unfortunately, it wasn't the desired one. "Our sister has spoken of your rare displays of emotion. Your alligator's tears will not work on me."

"Send me away then." I said boldly. "It's what Aunt Celestia desired since I reached adulthood."

Luna’s eyes twinkled. "Ah, now that show of emotion I believe." She said with a smile. With Joe and now Luna, I'd had enough of ponies smiling at me.

"So, what is it? Have I finally lost my title as prince? Shall I pack for the Badlands or the Frozen North?" I stomped my hoof, feeling decidedly less stallion-like and more like a petulant foal. I hated that.

"Believe it or not, nephew, your aunts love you. We, and by 'we' this time I mean Celestia and myself, want to see you as more than just a party accessory." She lifted her head. "You will serve the Court of the Night for six hours every session as an advisor. This Court needs a younger voice and you are well acquainted with the nobles and notables of the next generation. Is this clear?"

My ears flattened against my skull. Six hours would put an outrageous damper on my nightlife. "Can you do that? I'm of the House of the Day..."

She held a hoof up to silence me. "I can. The old laws from before my banishment made it clear that service across House lines was an appropriate punishment for those with a certain lack of harmony. I have also discussed the matter with the Master of the House of the Day. They agreed most readily to my suggestion."

My heart sank even lower. There was no way for Celestia not to have heard if her Master of the House was involved. "So, Celestia knows about last night." I observed.

"Indeed, nephew." Luna said softly. "We-I could order you, but I would rather you be willing. Prince Blueblood, wouldst thou serve in my Court?"

It was the first time she'd referred to me by my title and name. Maybe she respected me at least that much. That was a damn sight better than the disdain her sister had exhibited. Could I serve Nightmare...Luna?

"Yes, Your Highness." I answered formally. "For how long?"

She took a moment to think. "Considering the insult to Lady Fields, your lack of attention, your fit of temper and your general disposition, a term of one year and one day's service would not have been outside the norm back in my day."

My expression fell. Had I not had a healthy helping of pancakes, I would have fainted then and there. How would I ever lose myself in drink or find my special skill if I spent that long in a villain’s service?

She continued. “But Celestia has stated such ceremonial time limits are excessive. We would have your service for three moons.”

Just as I relaxed, Joe tapped a hoof on the ground. Luna looked at him sharply. To his credit, he didn't falter. She nodded. "The Court of the Night recognizes the input of citizen Pony Joe. Speak and be heard."

"One thousand thanks, Your Royal Highness. In your day, was it not customary for the Court to award a boon to those who saved the life of a noble?" He asked.

She frowned. "The law you speak of has not been invoked in centuries. What is your boon?"

"I seek an altered sentence for His Royal Highness Prince Blueblood." He stated.

"What?" I asked, incredulous. He could ask for anything in the kingdom, and he asks to change my sentence?

"Altered in what way?" She asked, guardedly.

"In a reduction to his service to the Night Court, I ask that he also serve as Apprentice Donuteer in my shop for two hours prior to his Courtly duties. To repay my kindness." He had to have thought about this all along!

"It is unusual to attach a noble to a craftspony's shop as an apprentice." She noted.

"But not unheard-of. I can also ensure that His Highness delivers a tray of donuts to your Court each session following his time with me." Joe offered, literally sweetening the deal.

"Deal." She answered quickly. "As long as there's chocolate." At his nod, she returned to a more regal bearing. "Then it shall be so. Your sentence is therefore ordered for a period of no more than three months. Two hours in the service of Mr. Joe and four in service to this court. Prince Blueblood, am I to order you to do your duty in serving this sentence?"

"No, ma'am." I said, bewildered at this turn of events. The start of Night Court was sunset and only losing two hours of the night instead of six would work out for me spectacularly.

P.B. and ... Jelly?

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The irritating bell on the door jingled as I walked in. In spite of my sunglasses, I drew attention. I expected as much; I am a glorious specimen of stallionhood. Heaving a sigh, I went to speak to my psuedo-employer, Pony Joe. The next three months would consist of trying to please him and my Aunt Luna.

Nose aloft, I ignored the glances and whispers. I kept my face neutral, but inwardly I despised these common, gossipping nags. My mood soured. Not that having to come here to satisfy my dear Aunt's judgment had me in a good mood anyway.

"Nice shades, Blueby. Ditch 'em in a locker and suit up quick. I'll need you in the back,” Joe said.

Pleasing him would be a taller task than I anticipated. Just who in Equestria did he think he was to call me Blueby?

"The back?" I asked, frowning. My good looks would no doubt impress fillies and gentlecolts into buying more at the counter. "I thought I was selling donuts."

He snorted rudely. "Are you kidding me? With that sour mug? I don't know which would go bad first, the donuts or the customers,” He asserted. "It's not a good time of the week to teach you the counter. I trust you can sort out a few donuts. Hope you've got good levitation practice."

The thought gave me pause. I hadn't actually exercised levitation since I was a foal. Just the thought of how much magic it would take to fill box upon box of donuts was daunting.

I trotted to the back and found an empty locker quickly. There was a uniform, with my name on it even, hanging up inside. After I changed, I spent some time ensuring it fit me right. Satisfied that I could at least accomplish that much, I turned around and bumped right into Joe.

"Ow." I said eloquently. "What, were you watching me change?"

Joe rubbed his head and rolled his eyes. "I just came to see what was taking you so long."

"What in tartarus are you talking about? I just got my uniform on." I posed a bit to show off the white outfit.

"All right, you clothes-horse, let's get to work already." Joe ordered, pointing the way to the kitchen.

As he spoke, he pointed things out. "I've laid out my kitchen so it makes sense. What you gotta do is take them from the racks and put em in a box, tissues below, between and on top. You have your powdered, iced, glazed, twists, sprinkled, rings, bars, and donut holes. Pay close attention to the filled; there's a hole that shows what's inside if you absolutely have no clue. Then we got ursa claws, crullers, churros, and conchas. Cinnamon buns come regular, iced, sugared and with raisins. Donut holes go in one of these special boxes and then they go in the big box if they're part of a bigger order."

He turned to me. "Do I still have you so far?"

A trifle overwhelmed, I concluded, "You sell donuts."

Joe smiled and patted my shoulder. "We'll make a baker out of you yet. I love the sense of humor."

He grabbed a slip from the counter. "Here's the order sheet. I only have eight for you to do so that you can get a good idea of where everything is."

"Last but not least." Joe whipped something off of the counter nearby and had it on my head before I could blink. "Health code says you have to keep your mane covered. I trust you get brushed well enough to keep from shedding. Also, wash your forehooves and wear the plastic gloves before touching anything with your hooves."

"I thought I would just levitate everything." I said.

Joe shrugged. "It's a lot of donuts. If you last, great. If not, the gloves."

"What if I'm not done by the end of our time?" I asked, expecting the worst.

He shrugged. His nonchalance was beyond irritating. "Work to the best of your ability. And I do mean the best. Your Aunt Luna wants a report from me as often as possible and I intend to have nothing but glowing praise for you as long as you deserve it."

I huffed. "What are you getting out of this? Why use a special favor from the Princesses just to have me work in your bakery?"

"I hope I can tell you soon." He said enigmatically. "Now get to work."

"Yes sir." I said, sarcastically.

***

Halfway through and one headache later, I washed my forehooves and grabbed the gloves. I nearly had the fifth box complete when it happened. I grabbed a jelly-filled donut a little too quickly and...

SPLORCH

The cursed pastry shot a hearty helping of jelly directly onto my apron. My magic kept me from getting hit before this, so the red stain was even more prominent on the otherwise spotless apron. In surprise, I dropped the donut.

Heading to the sink, I heard my old tutor’s voice in my head. 'A Prince must never suffer a single stain. How unsightly! You must be careful! I shoved the voice aside as I wiped most of the jelly off...and made a bigger stain in the process. Hooves shaking, I took a deep breath and tried again, making sure to use cold water. The stain faded, but the spot was still pinkish.

Frustrated, I gave up on the apron. Leaning against the counter, I inhaled slowly. I hated staining clothes. Had Joe's apron been dirty? I couldn't recall it being so. Would he be mad that I stained an apron? Surely, somepony could get the stain out. Shaking my head, I took a few more deep breaths and tried to calm myself. When a hot tear slid down my cheek, I realized I wasn't handling this well.

"It's just an apron, damn it." I said to myself, kicking a cabinet foalishly.

"Blue, are you alright?" Joe asked. It was remarkable how bad his timing was. Well, bad for me.

I nodded. "Just got a stain on my apron."

"And your shirt, too." Joe pointed out. I looked down in horror to see that the jelly had, in fact, gone through the apron and onto the shirt. "I've thought about switching to black aprons, but it just doesn't have the same visual appeal as a clean white one."

I rubbed my eyes. A lump was forming in my throat. I had to get a handle on myself before I did something embarrassing. I'd been through worse, like when that purple-maned mare shook her coat off on me. The memory didn’t help; I started shaking more.

"Blue, look at me." Joe said softly. He was close, almost too close but not yet touching me. I did, through teary eyes. "It's okay. I'm not mad about a dirty apron." He gently wiped my cheek.

I groaned. "Ugh! I'm fine! It's just allergies." I pushed his hoof away and headed to the bathroom.

"There's a new shirt on a hook in there; feel free to use it." He offered.

When I returned in the new shirt, I went straight back to filling orders without sparing a look at the donut proprietor. Thankfully, he didn't say anything and went back out to the front. The old apron and fallen donut was nowhere to be seen.

In spite of his outward appearance and rather coarse manners, Joe had a sweet side. It seemed he was not unlike his jelly-filled donuts. I shook my head. Not only was he coarse he was also common. He may have forced me into his world but he didn’t belong in mine. Even if he was nice.

Maybe especially if he was nice.

Setting that thought aside I looked at the rack of jelly donuts. That stain was a ridiculous thing to have gotten worked up about and I picked up another jelly donut and squeezed it. The stain was bigger. My hooves shook for a moment but I willed it away.

Joe poked his head in again at just the wrong time. “You okay? Oh come on! Next one is coming out of your aunt’s order!”

I smiled at him and set the squished pastry aside. “Sorry boss, just a little over-excited to work with such a purveyor of perfect pastries.”

Joe snorted. “Yeah we’ll keep the sweet stuff in the donuts, got it? And get back to work. It’s almost time for you to sit in at Court.


Entering Night Court, I was stuck again by just how empty it was. Aside from Luna’s staff, we had just a hooffull of petitioners.

Luna’s eyes focused on my shirt. “Thou hast a touch of preserves upon thy...”

I waved a hoof impatiently. “Thanks, I know. Baking accident. Can we get this started, please. Uh, Your Royal Highness. Forgive me for the...”

It was her turn to wave me off. “Formalities may be spared for the moment. The start of Night Court is nigh. Allow Us to raise the moon and then thou shouldst address Us properly.” She stood.

I moved to the side of the chamber. Luna looked up and with a flash, opened the skylight so she could soar out. With a flap of her wings she took to the air, circling upwards and outwards. As she lit her horn again, the sky changed. The sun went away as, on the other side of the palace, Celestia ended her Courtly duties. The moon rose in its turn and Luna floated down gracefully.

Shaking my head, I approached the throne. Luna took a few steadying breaths and then turned to me. “What didst thou think?”

“Impressive, Your Royal Highness.” I said flatly. “We need to work on your speech patterns.”

Luna nodded, a twinge of something running through her eyes. For a moment, I felt almost guilty for not complimenting her sincerely. It was just a nightfall, though, and I reasoned with myself that that was all there was to it.

“We-I have yet only begun to modernize Our-my speech. ‘’Tis a learning process.” She motioned to the guards to open the doors.

“I’m sure you will pick it up eventually.” I said, trying for a touch more sincerity in spite of myself.

“Thank you, Nephew.” Luna sat on the throne and motioned to a low-backed chair to her right. “Sit with us and perhaps we might converse with thee about modern speech between matters of business.”

I resisted rolling my eyes by the slimmest of margins. Admittedly, I did get a cheap thrill sitting to the right of the throne again. It was the wrong throne, of course. I’d have much preferred sitting in Celestia’s Court where I belonged.

But this was a start.

P.B. and ... Pineapple?

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Another day, another day sorting donuts. I ritualistically had gotten into the habit of staining my apron in some way or another. After the third time, Luna made me go and change. She’d said it reflected poorly on her. I didn’t feel like telling her that having no nobles attending her Court was worse for her.

On the fourth day, Luna settled in the throne and waited for me to take my seat before speaking. “Dost thou knoweth of a thing called pizza? And if so, shouldst one find it most disagreeable to place pineapple atop it?”

My brain took a moment to process the question. The difficulty arose both from her odd speech pattern and the mundanity of the question. “A pizza is a circle of dough topped with sauce and occasionally cheese. The Neaponytan version uses mozzarella and is usually topped with fresh basil leaves. One could put pineapple on top, but personally I prefer pineapple grilled with some vanilla and a side of coconut ice cream.”

“Thou dost not prefer to mix savory and sweet in such a manner as that?” She asked.

“Indeed not. Although I recommend you try it just for the experience if nothing else.” This almost felt like a very weird dream, but I knew it was real. Luna signalled for the petitioners to enter and we said nothing more on the subject.

Another day, another jingle above my head. Joe looked to be busy with customers, so I went back to my locker to change. Before I could do more than set my glasses down, Joe tapped my shoulder.

"Um, Blue?" He asked.

"Yeah, Joe? I'm not late am I?" We'd had that argument once this week. Given Aunt Luna's rather long-winded reprimand, I wasn't looking to repeat it.

"No. It's just." I turned around to look at him. He was smiling, but still managed to look concerned. "It's the weekend."

"What does that...oh!" I smacked my forehead. Luna's judgment stated that I had to work with Joe before every session of Night Court. Night Court wasn't held on the weekends. "I don't have to work. Ugh! And I sent off the guards and carriage before I set hoof in here!"

That explained why the guards had been so cheerful, though.

"Do you want me to call you a cab, champ?" He asked. His tone seemed to be lightly mocking. To my chagrin, I had no witty remarks with which to respond.

"I don't feel like hearing it from Aunt Celestia's House Guard." I sighed.

"Oh, well. I may have a solution to that." He pulled out a bag. By the clinking, I reasoned there must be bits inside.

"Normally, I'd be the first to take advantage of your kindness. But, I already owe you enough and I hate owing anypony anything." I said, waving a hoof.

"This isn't mine. It's yours." Joe insisted.

I frowned. "What are you talking about?"

"This is your earnings from the work you did." He explained, reaching out to give me the bag.

Still confused, I took hold of the bag. Joe smiled. "I wasn't expecting this. I thought I was working only to satisfy Luna's judment."

"No reason you can't earn money of your own. The judgment doesn't say anything against it. I don't run a charity, I run a business. Having you work for free would be too much like slavery for my tastes. So, take some pride in what you do here and enjoy the benefits of working." His explanation seemed solid, but earning my own bits was weird.

It wasn't much. After all, I only worked ten hours a week. But it was mine. Not my allowance from the House of the Day. Not given to me because I was a prince. My earnings from my work. It was a new and strange sensation. Before I could give it too much thought, I put the bag into a pocket and looked up at Joe.

"I actually close the store earlier on the weekend so, if you don't mind hanging around while I close things up, I'll take the cab with you." He offered.

"Alright. But, do I have to go back to the castle right away?" I asked, shifting on my hooves nervously.

"Only if you want to." Joe said as he turned towards the front. "I'm sorta responsible for you though, so wherever you go, I'm going with you."

Could I live with that condition? It was better than having one of Aunt Celestia's tattle-tale guards sighing at every stop. "Deal." I said with a touch of resignation. No reason to let him think I wanted him around.

"So, what do normal ponies do after work?" I asked casually as Joe locked the front door. He had two boxes of baked goods in his magical hold. I was not about to offer to carry one and for once, he wasn’t all that keen on making me work.

"We could go get something to eat." Joe pointed out. “I just have to stop by someplace first. I’ll lead the way.”

I shrugged and kept pace as we walked. "Do you know a place? I'm not familiar with the lower income districts."

"Lower—How familiar are you with Canterlot?" Joe asked, incredulous.

"I've lived here my whole life." I blustered. "Of course, I'm familiar with Canterlot. Very much so."

Joe's eyes narrowed. "What street are we on?"

"I-uh, don't see what this has to do with anything." I replied, defensively.

Joe leaned against a light pole. "That's what I thought. Well, Your Highness, it's time you got a crash course in Canterlot's...lower income districts." Joe said with derisive humor. "For starters, you're on Wagon Way, the main thoroughbredfare in the delivery district. Canterlot's Courier Center up the road is a big anchor of the district and it's a multi-million bit earning business. Not what I'd call low-income."

We hopped into a cab and Joe spent the trip schooling me on places we passed. It had never been part of my studies to learn the layout of the city. Well, it might have been, but I wasn't exactly the best student. I was starting to learn the practical value of knowing where one was going. Joe seemed to know that I was paying attention, although I mostly feigned boredom. I couldn't let him see that I was interested in something so common.

“And this is the actual low-income district. Homelessness and hunger are more common here in The Shade.” Joe explained.

Looking around, I could definitely tell. It wasn’t exactly a shanty town, but neither were the old buildings particularly well-cared-for.

One nondescript looking building later and I walked into my first orphanage in...many years. I could practically feel the same emotionally draining atmosphere. Glancing around, many of the foals here were too old to be adoptable but too young to strike out on their own. I walked through in a trance-like state.

“Hey Cross Roads, I got some treats for the kids.” Joe announced. By the thunder of hooves ahead, he’d been heard. In seconds we were swarmed in hungry little ponies.

“Yeah, thanks for spoiling ‘em again Joe.” Cross said crossly, although he smiled slightly. “Who’s your friend?”

“This is Blueby.” I almost corrected him before I remembered that I’d rather not be associated with this place. “He’s my new assistant.”

“Your last one was more pretty. What was her name?” Cross asked.

“Sue. But don’t let her hear you calling her pretty.” Joe cautioned with a laugh. “Well, we gotta scram. You guys doing alright?”

Cross shrugged. “Yeah, the crown sees to the basics. You know it’s the little things that make the kids happy. Like your donuts. Speaking of which, whaddya say to Mr. Joe, kids?”

A chorus of “Thank you Mr. Joe” rang out in the small space. Joe led me back outside and said our goodbyes for us.

“You okay?” He asked after a moment of silence.

“Yeah I’m fine,” I said, not convincing even myself. “Let’s go to dinner.”


"Here we are, delManeco's Bitalian Restaurant. Back in the high rent districts." Joe said with a flourish.

We walked into the establishment and were greeted by an orange pegasus with red mane and tail. The pegasus greeted us warmly. "Pony Joe! It's about time you show up! You son of a gelding, you owe me from that last hoof-ball game!"

Joe laughed. "Erede delManeco! Why you gotta bust my chops in front of royalty?"

"Royalty? Oh sweet Celestia!" Erede exclaimed. "Your Royal Highness! What an honor!"

"I'm sure." I said dismissively. "We're just here to have dinner. Joe seems to think your fare is fit for a prince."

"Well, Joe is correct. This restaurant has been in my family for many generations. We’ve served nobles and nopony's. Please, follow me to our private room and we'll prove our worth to you." Erede led us to a table.

As we perused the menu, an oddity stuck out to me. "Pineapple Newburg?"

Joe looked up from his menu and smiled. "It's seasonal, so we're in luck that we came now. This restaurant originated the dish and it is amazing. Trust me, you'll love it."

"Fine, I'll just be a moment in the restroom. Make sure to order something non-alcoholic. I don't need the Royal Guard on my rear about drinking again." I said as I stood.

My necessities taken care of, I sojourned down the hall and stopped as I heard raised voices coming from the private room.

Erede's voice came through loud and clear. The Bitalian stallion wasn't a quiet one. "Joe, you must be joking. I'm not even a creme-puff like you and I can see how attractive that prince is!"

“Attractiveness is one thing. He just doesn’t have the kind of attitude I’d like in a partner.” Joe sipped his drink.

“You tell me you look at this princely image of perfection and all you want is a friend?” Erede made a rude noise. “I don’t believe you.”

Joe laughed. "Red, his reputation is well-established. You want to see if the rumors are true, just you go and try it yourself."

I opened the door none-too-subtly. "So that's what this is all about, huh?"

Joe stood up. "Blue, let me--"

"No, I don't want to hear it." I spat. "I'm not some two-bit floozy who'll just jump into bed with anypony."

"Blue, you know that's not how I think of you." Joe said.

"I don't know how you think of me and I'm sure I don't want to know!" With that, I slammed the door between us and went to catch a cab.

P.B. and ... Salt?

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I walked into Joe’s Donut shop the next day before Night Court. My guards had gotten me there on time.

Joe saw me, but he was busy with a line of customers. I went into the back to change and start filling up the afternoon order boxes.

Every once in a while, Joe would pop into the back to pick up a box and start to try and apologize. I ignored him and the front was just to busy for him to stay in the back too long. Before I knew it, time was up and I was back in the carriage to attend Night Court.


"Prince Blueblood, I hope you are paying attention." Princess Luna remarked. Her voice snapped me out of my black cloud and I sighed.

"Sorry, Your Royal Highness." I answered.

Princess Luna sighed. In the voice just below her Royal Canterlot voice, she announced. "Court has ended. Guards, please escort all citizens and personnel out and take position outside the chamber. My nephew and I have matters to discuss."

"You're closing court early?" I asked, surprised.

She gave me a look. "What time do you suppose it is?"

I looked around. There wasn't a clock anywhere in the throne room, so I had no clue. My first instinct was to bluster, but Luna would see through that and call me on it. "I don't know, Your Highness."

"Blue, you and I are alone now. You may address me as you wish." Luna said. "To answer my own question, though, it is midnight. You overstayed your hours. At first, I thought you had taken interest in the cases coming before us, but as I checked on you, you seemed not to take much notice of anything."

I bowed, a bit stiff from sitting for so long. "I can only crave your pardon, Aunt Luna. My mind was...elsewhere."

"Perhaps it has something to do with this?" Luna asked. I looked up to see her holding up a letter with a familiar cutie mark stamped on it.

My ears flattened. "He told you?"

Luna set the letter down. "He makes it quite clear that he would not have asked for me to intercede if he thought he could handle the matter himself. However, a certain somepony isn't speaking to him." She said.

My anger was prodded. "Forgive my rudeness, but it is none of your business, Princess Luna."

She raised her eyebrows. "Petulance will get you nowhere, nephew. Why are you not speaking to Joe?"

"Isn't it in his letter?" I asked dismissively.

"I want to hear it from you." She insisted.

I clenched my teeth. "I don't want to talk about it. I just want to serve my time and be done with it."

"And then what?" Luna asked.

"Then it won't matter to you or anypony else what I do to fill my time." I retorted.

She tilted her head sideways. "What makes you so certain nopony cares?"

Looking away, I growled. "I didn't say that."

"Forgive me. Perhaps I read to much into what you were saying. What do you mean that it won't matter?" She asked, reaching out to me.

I took a step back out of hoof range. "It won't affect anypony else."

Luna stood, setting the letter alight and leaving it to burn to ash midair. "You're certain of that?"

"Nothing I did mattered before. Unless I insulted somepony." I pointed out.

"I do not think you give my sister enough credit." She began.

I cut her off. "Everypony gives her more than enough credit. What does my opinion of her matter?"

"We are family." Luna said simply.

My entire body tensed. "I ask humbly that I may be excused from your presence, Your Royal Highness." I said through gritted teeth.

"We're finally getting somewhere, then?" She asked knowingly. "Denied. We will speak of this situation until it is remedied."

I turned to leave, too angry to care about the consequences of disregarding her order.

She let me nearly reach the door before calling out. The hapless guard at the door had actually opened it. He likely would be reprimanded by Luna. "Blueblood. Please stop! I am trying to help you."

Turning back to face her, I let my anger loose. "Listen here, Princess Nightmare. Of all the creatures in the entirety of the kingdom, the very last and least of those I would confide in is you. Your sister may have forgiven you, but there are more than a few ponies who have their doubts about your true intentions, myself included.”

At the end of that initial outburst, her eyes widened. It was the biggest reaction I’d gotten from her. I continued. “You've forced me to sit by you and in all the time I've done so I've noticed just how little you do for this kingdom. If you think settling one minor noble dispute and even more minor claims between citizens actually has any bearing on the direction that Celestia is leading us, then you're delusional as well as lazy. Whatever you have planned for me, count me out. The day I do as you bid is the day I cast myself into the deepest pit of tartarus."

Somepony cleared their throat behind me. I suddenly had a wretchedly bad feeling about my lot in life. Taking a deep breath, I turned around to look at Her Royal Highness, Head of the House of the Day, my Aunt Princess Celestia. “It is quite tempting to say that such a thing can be arranged.”

“Sister, do not...” Luna began, but Celestia held up a hoof.

“I wouldn’t, of course.” She looked back at me.

Her expression was hardened. I wasn't sure how much she'd heard, but it had to be more than enough to get me thrown into a cell. I went down on one knee and bowed my head.

"I'd say I expected better, but I've had enough experience with your entitled attitude, nephew." Celestia said icily.

Luna was at my side before I knew it. "Sister, I provoked this response from him."

With my head bowed, my eyebrows shot up and my ears perked towards Luna.

Celestia persisted. "He was taught better, Luna. Provoked or not, he is an adult and must answer for his disrespect."

"Nopony else saw or heard this, Celestia. Only one of my guards who is sworn to secrecy. He has nopony to answer to but me," Luna asserted.

Celestia let out a short breath. "You can't let him off the hook like this, Luna. He'll only get worse until strong corrective measures are taken."

Luna stepped between Celestia and I. "This is my court, Celestia. It may be dismissed, but I still hold power until sunrise."

"Luna!" Celestia said, alarmed.

Luna wouldn’t relent. "Has 'strong corrective measures' worked on him before?"

Celestia shifted her weight and answered, "I've made more than enough excuses for him, myself. He has yet to find himself under such measures."

Luna drew herself up. She wasn't a match for Celestia physically, but her presence made up the difference. Celestia was caught off-guard by Luna's vehemence. "Princess Celestia. The insult was made against me in my own court. By our own rules, his punishment is mine to administer. Is that clear, sister?"

"You will punish him?" Celestia asked.

"Whether or not I do so is up to me. Will you deny me that right?" Luna asked harshly.

Celestia's expression softened. "You know I love you both. I'm only trying to do what's right."

Luna sighed. "Then let me take care of it. Not to put too fine a point on it, but your oversight on our nephew has yet to yield the desired results."

Celestia look struck. She turned to leave.

My mouth went off before my brain could stop. “Wouldn’t be the first time you left me in the care of another pony.”

She turned around, bewildered. “Excuse me?”

It seemed my reactions to the princess were either numb silence or flaming outrage. This was the latter. “You took me in, Princess, but I have a real problem with you insisting that you cared. It was clear from the first day in the castle that your priority would always be Equestria first.”

“I left you in the care of my most trusted advisor, did I not? She cared for you as she did for her own children!” Celestia shook her head.

I shook mine back. “Yeah And She was such a great mother and wife that she lost that husband and her children chose him over her.”

Celestia’s outraged look went cold. “You have no idea how much that divorce took from her. She retired and the only consolation i could give her was a lifetime peerage and a damehood.”

“She quit because I turned out to be anything but the heir you expected me to be,” I retorted. “As soon as it was clear I’d never be an alicorn—“

Celestia raised a hoof, but I ignored her. “No! As soon as you knew I’d never ascend to gain my wings, you turned your attention to the next likely pony.”

“Are you finished? Because I’m done hearing your ‘me, me, me’ routine. You’re always the victim, I’m always the bad guy. You haven’t changed since you were a teen.” Celestia’s anger seemed to snuff itself out. She turned a tired gaze on me.

“It is clear that I have never had the tools to deal with you, Blueblood,” Celestia finally admitted. “You deserve better than me.”

Luna gasped. "Sister, please..."

"Prince Blueblood, you are now a member of the House of the Night. You will give full respect to the head of your house, or you will answer to both of us. Is that understood?" Celestia asked coldly.

Kicked out of the House of the Day? I shook as I answered. "Yes, Your Royal Highness."

She turned and left without another word to either of us. As the door closed, I sank down to sit on the floor. Luna wrapped a wing around me hesitantly. My first thought was to push her away, but I just didn't have the energy. The shock had set in.

P.B. and ... Donuts?

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I sat in Princess Luna's quarters. She'd led me there, dazed from Celestia's decision to give me over to the noble House of the Night. It was a move unprecedented in living memory.

"Sh-she kicked me out." I said, realization slowly dawning on me.

Luna floated a cup of tea over to me. "To be fair, you are still a prince." Luna offered helpfully.

I took the cup and stared down into it. "In the house of a villain."

Luna sighed. "Branches and boulders."

I snorted. "I think you mean, 'sticks and stones.'"

"Those would not break my bones." I looked up at her. She didn't seem to be mocking me or bragging. She was just stating a fact.

I shrugged. "Fair enough."

Taking a sip from her own cup, Luna leaned back. "Celestia's decision was...spectacularly thoughtless."

"At least we can agree on that." I said darkly.

Luna set her cup down and focused on me. "I don't think my sister has done right by you in a long time."

I leaned my head onto a hoof. "Preaching to the choir, Lulu."

Luna smiled. "There's a name I haven't heard in a while. Anyway, she hasn't done right by you, until now."

I scoffed. "How can you say—well, okay I guess I can see that."

"Y-you can?" Luna asked, surprised.

I set my cup down and regarded her fully. "Yeah, this is quite a coup for you, actually. I'm a popular pony. You aren't. If nothing else, the curiosity factor should bring in a few more noble houses to your court. Since I've had the luxury of sitting in on it, don't think I haven't noticed how...sparsely populated it is."

Luna tilted her head and muttered, "Almost as if a lever was pulled."

I leaned back and put my hooves behind my head. "This political stunt is exactly the kind of magic Aunt Celly is good at. I should have seen it coming."

Luna shook her head. "Do you hear yourself when you talk? She loves you but isn't sure how to handle you. A thousand years of ruling alone haven't done anything to improve her familial relations. To tell you the truth, I don't think even now that she fully understands what led me to give into the nightmares."

An unpleasant part of me thought she might have a point. It was silenced by the experiences I'd had with my dear, distant 'aunt.' "How could you understand? You've been banished for a thousand years. Even an alicorn can change in that much time."

Luna's lips pressed into a thin line. She looked ready to yell, but then she took a breath and relaxed her jaw. "My sister does not always do things for political reasons, Blue. She adopted you as a nephew. What did that gain her? To all outward appearances, you are just a spoiled, trouble-making prince."

"It's not just an outward appearance, Luna. I'm the prince who used one of the bearers of the Elements of Harmony as a shield against getting splatted with cake. I'm the prince who left a mare of high breeding alone at a bar to go hit on some more visually appealing commoners. I'm the prince who insulted Luna in her own court in front of her sister!"

Luna took a sip of tea before replying. "You are also the prince who falls to pieces around Celestia. A prince who has thus far abided a stiff judgment with grace and humility. A prince who, until recently, even befriended a baker."

"Joe? Let me make this clear, Joe and I are not friends. Not now, not ever. That common, rounded, crass unicorn stallion is beneath my notice." The words felt strange in my mouth. It was certainly how I'd felt about Joe in the beginning.

"Your words lack punch." Luna decided. "Even so, you may want to keep your words sweet. You may have to eat them later. Now, before we argue about your diet, tell me what happened between you two that has you giving him the silent treatment."

I sighed, but relented. Luna listened attentively as I explained the situation at delManeco's. "My reputation preceeds me. Joe isn't a friend. He's a businesspony."

"I think you're wrong." Luna said flatly. "As your Head of House, I am ordering you to resolve your issues. If this is just a misunderstanding, I would like to insist on receiving a dozen death by chocolate donuts."

***

"Well, all it took for you to talk to me again was a special order from Princess Luna, eh?" Joe asked with a nervous smile. We stood in the bakery kitchen, one of his helpers had the front counter.

"And being kicked out of my house." I muttered.

"What was that?" Joe asked, his eyes narrowed.

I blanched, not wanting to have to explain that to him. "Nothing. Look. I'm not mad about you...judging me on my reputation. Plenty of other ponies have done the same."

"No, Blueblood, please let me explain." Joe interrupted. His hoof reached out and landed gently on my shoulder. "I...shouldn't have said those things to Red. I didn't mean them."

"Joe, it’s okay. Nothing I haven't heard before,” I said, waving a hoof.

"Shut up and listen," Joe said, cringing afterwards. "Sorry. I'm not always the nicest pony. I try, but it's tough for me. Especially when I care about somepony."

My ears perked up towards him. "What?"

Joe rolled his eyes and looked at me. "I...care about you, Blue. Like a friend.”

I really hated when one of my aunts was right. "You don't even know me." I countered.

"But I want to know you more." He replied. "I see so much good in you, Blue..."

"Well, you're seeing things. I'm spectacularly thoughtless, hopelessly self-involved, and my attitude toward the common pony is still leagues away from civil."

"I'm a common pony." He pointed out.

"And you think the same way every other common pony does about me. The prince of pleasure!” I threw my hoof wide, barely missing hitting a hanging pan. “A feckless, foppish, foolish member of a failed noble house!"

"Failed noble house?" Oops, he caught that. I hadn't meant to bring up being banished to Luna's House. Twice.

"It-That...I mean." I said eloquently.

Joe looked confused. "You're a member of the House of the Day. Aren’t you?"

"I...was. I've been given to the House of the Night. Luna is my Head of House. Celestia..." I wiped the sweat off my forehead. The kitchen was warm at the best of times, now it felt hot.

He looked down. "I didn't know."

"Nopony does, but everypony will soon. These things have a way of getting out."

Joe shrugged. "Blue, would you like to stay with me until this blows over?"

"Joe, I-" I stopped. I'd been about to turn him down, but something in the way he asked stopped me. It was a tone like the one Luna'd used, but there was something else to it. "If you don't think I'll be a bother."

"No more so than usual." He said, teasingly. The gruffness of his voice didn't match his expression. “Besides, my home might not be a castle, but it isn’t a hovel. You won’t be slumming it with a commoner and sleeping on my couch or a floor. I have guest rooms. You can get drunk and sleep on those floors.”

"Oh ha-ha." I replied drily. “So, friends then? This is what you wanted when you met me?”

Joe nodded. “But I knew that I couldn’t come out and ask you because you’d turn your nose up at me. So I used the system to get you to stick around long enough to get used to the idea of befriending a common pony.”

“And all it took was, what week and a half? Two weeks?” I almost felt like I’d been bewitched.

“Yeah, I didn’t expect you to come around that quickly either,” Joe admitted. “Especially with Erede’s big mouth.”

P.B. and ... Cinnamon?

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Joe's home was in one of the few areas of Canterlot that I knew well; Canterlot Heights. I tried not to let on my surprise, but the donut king of Equestria picked up on it.

"I own a chain of successful donut shops across Equestria." He reminded me. With other ponies, I'd say they were bragging or trying to impress me. Donut Joe merely stated it as a fact.

While not as large as other Heights mansions, Joe's home had plenty of room. His front yard seemed more like a small orchard. The house was old red-brick and two storied. I estimated at least five bedrooms as well as plenty of spacious rooms downstairs.

As we exited the carriage, Joe tipped the driver and sent him off. Turning back to me, Joe noticed my staring. "What?"

"How do you not have your own driver?" I asked.

Joe shrugged. "I know the pony who runs a carriage business. He helps me get around for a good price, I send him a few dozen to keep his drivers happy. Now let me show you the place."

He opened the door magically and I was given a visual feast. The foyer and living room were decorated in beautiful dark-colored antique wood and furnishings. It had a clean and warm feeling; it was the kind of place you'd call home almost instinctively. The dining room was a touch brighter, but no less comfortable. Everything was taken care of to the smallest detail.

The kitchen, on the other hoof, seemed like a transplant from the bakery. A massive brick oven took up a sizable corner. Stainless steel, polished to a mirror shine, glimmered under the light. Racks on wheels stood ready to hold dozens of baked goods and the double-door refrigerator looked like the top of the line. From a nearby coat rack, Joe handed me a black cloth.

"What's this?" I asked.

"An apron." Joe replied as he put on one of his own. "If it weren't such a tradition, I'd use black in my shops. Doesn't show stains or burns as easily as white. Luckily, I know a guy who runs a laundry business and we have a good arrangement going?"

I slipped the article over my head and tied it off. Looking down, I saw words written on it in red thread. Taking a moment to mentally turn the letters around, I felt my face get warm. "'Kiss the Chef'?"

"Maybe next time." Joe quipped. "For now, we're going to have some fun."

"You didn't bring me all the way out here just to bake?" I asked, confused.

"'Just to bake'?" I cringed as he pointed out my words. He laughed. I'd thought I'd offended him, but I should've known it wasn't that easy. "No. We'll be creating edible joy. Happiness baked up nice and fluffy. Most ponies call them Cinnamon Rolls."


"I'll never touch another cinnamon roll in my life." I moaned from Joe's couch. I'd retreated to the living room with a stomach full of the devilishly delicious buns. For once, I didn't even care about the icing on my muzzle; I just licked my lips absently.

"You didn't have to eat so many. I didn't know a pony could handle three, let alone an entire dozen." He laughed.

"It was better than I expected." I admitted.

"You're the one who made them!" Joe reminded me.

"That's my point." I replied. My tone lacked a certain dark quality this time around. I guess I was too full of 'baked joy.'

Joe sighed and smiled. Leaning against his arm-chair, he regarded me. "We'll make a baker out of you yet."

“Or just make me fat.” I pointed out, tapping my barrel.

“Never trust a skinny baker,” Joe said in mock severity. “Although I have a gym membership to keep me from having to roll instead of walk. Got a good deal on it too.”

I snorted. “Let me guess, you know a guy?”

“How’d you know?”


During the day, Joe and I went to work together. Luna had given me some time off of Court to get my wits about me. So instead of going to Court, we stopped by the orphanage a few times, and even played a few games with the foals. I was almost getting used to the name Blueby. Cross finally figured out who I really was, but assured me he would keep it secret.

Of course, that didn’t stop some of the kids from mentioning it and it got minor coverage in some tabloid and gossip pages. My service arrangement with Joe was mostly ignored because Joe refused service to any reporter who asked to talk with me. Fearing lifetime donut bans, the smart ones went in search of other stories. The dumb ones made up wildly inaccurate reports that were treated as gossiping wild rumors.

At night, I woke up drenched in sweat, my heart still racing from the memory of the nightmare. Finally, one night I hitthe headboard with one hoof, cursing softly. Rolling out of bed, I shook myself and headed for the kitchen. After a few days here I'd practically had the kitchen memorized. Unfortunately, I forgot about the rack of baking pans and managed to dislodge a cast iron skillet. It hit the floor with an awful clatter before I could even think to catch it magically.

Bending over, I picked up the pan and replaced it. A voice behind me piped up. "Wake the dead, why don't you?"

I jumped, hastily grabbed at the skillet to defend myself. Instead I succeeded in knocking it towards the floor again. Joe caught it before it could make a second impact. I let out the breath I'd drawn in and resisted the urge to take the skillet and hit him with it. "You scared me!"

"And you have gotten up in the middle of the night every night so far." Joe retorted. "Are you okay?"

I frowned, shaking my head. "I'm fine. I just needed a glass of water."

"Every night?" Joe repeated.

"Yes." I said, ears pinning back with how foalish I sounded.

Joe sighed. "Okay, I could see how you'd get a sore throat from screaming."

"I didn't scream!" I yelled defensively. Joe responded only by raising his eyebrows. "Just now doesn't count."

"What are the nightmares about?" Joe asked bluntly.

"What's it to you?" I replied snobbishly. "And who said anything about nightmares?"

"If you really won't talk about it, fine." Joe relented, turning around. He disappeared into the darkness of the living room. The silence closed in around me and it wasn't long before the nightmare flashed in my mind.

"Joe?" I called out, stepping forward to run after him. Instead, I bumped into him. Apparently, he hadn't gone far. "Oh, haha. Were you spying on me?"

"No, of course not. I was just looking at my bookshelf." He replied, a little too earnestly.

"In the dark?" I asked, disbelievingly.

"You called me back." He said, changing the subject.

"I-I'm not in a good place right now. Can we talk about it...like...friends?" I turned my head away, ready for him to object to being friends.

"Absolutely. You want some leftover cinnamon rolls while we do?" He asked.

I nodded. "Only if they have that icing."

Joe shook his head. "Sweet tooth."

Telling Joe about my most recent disgrace brought out a lot of the strong emotions I'd worked to push down. To his credit, he listened and even seemed to sympathize. By the end, I'd leaned my head into his chest and took some deep breaths while he rubbed my back.

"Princess Luna. If there is anypony who can help you, it would be her." He stated simply.

"How can you say that?" I asked, my anger rising feebly.

"To put it in your terms, because it's in her best interest to try." He said. "She's your Head of House, now. If you can start to resolve your problems with the nobles and the sisters, she'll have a young, resourceful voice of influence. And I do think she cares about you."

I had my doubts, but it might be worth a shot. "I'll...think about it."

P.B. and ... Grain?

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"How was your time away from home?" Luna asked, her grin spread wide across her features. The three of us, Joe included, sat together at the dais of the throne room. The current session hit a predictable lull as most ponies were at home.

"It...went well, Aunt Luna." I was loathe to admit it. I'd declined calling him a friend before, but he'd grown on me.

The mare turned her attention to the stallion beside me. "Thank you for your care for my nephew, Joe."

He shook his head, a matching smile on his face. "You might speak to him privately, Your Royal Highness. Blueblood picked up on some baking."

She glanced at me, her mirth seemed well-intentioned, if annoying. "Blue, you must bake for me soon." She said, clapping her hooves together excitedly.

I rolled my eyes. "Yes, Princess Luna."

She pushed my shoulder, laughing. "I believe the saying goes, 'lighten up.' I promise you I won't think any less of you, even if all you ever learn is to pour icing on cinnamon rolls."

I lifted my chin. "I can make both icing and cinnamon rolls from scratch, dear Aunt Luna." I informed her.

"I am proud of you." She said. Her voice seemed earnest enough and a part of me was unexpectantly touched by her words.

My eyes focused on a pony approaching the dais of the Night Court. There weren't usually very many ponies who regularly attended Luna's Court and the approaching figure was not one of them. On instinct, I straightened my posture and held my chin up. The glare I felt like putting on was neatly hidden behind a mask of indifference.

I was anything but indifferent. Her pastel-pink coat and blinding white curled-under bob-cut mane were enough for me to identify her. The crystal-sky blue eyes were politely focused on the diarch in the center, but I knew she was sizing me up on the side. She wore a white blouse with a pendant on the front right breast, the symbol of her status as a dame of the highest order for non-military knights. The Baroness Civil List, KS.

Turning to Luna, she curtsied exactly as properly as defined in the etiquette texts. She held it until Luna acknowledged her. “Rise and speak. We have not had the pleasure of having the presence of a dame of Our Sister’s Court.”

"Your Royal Highness, it is my pleasure to see you. My name is Civil List, former servant of Her Royal Highness Princess Celestia and former tutor to His Highness, Prince Blueblood. Might I add that you look quite well?" She nodded in practiced movements.

Luna regarded her civilly. "You may. To what do we owe the pleasure of your company tonight, Ms. List?"

Civil glances at me before answering. "Ma'am, I came to see for myself if the rumors are true regarding my former student, your nephew, His Royal Highness Prince Blueblood."

"What rumors are these?" Luna asked.

"I beg your pardon, ma'am. To be clear, is he now a member of the House of the Night?" Civil asked.

Luna looked at me. I shrugged and nodded my head. It had to come out sooner or later. Civil List was one of the biggest branches on the Canterlot grapevine in her prime. "Indeed, he is."

"May I have a moment with him, ma'am?" Civil asked.

I clenched my jaw and closed my eyes. Civil was sure to be disappointed at my current status. I could only imagine the thing's she'd say, given the chance. Luna held up her hoof. "My nephew does not need my permission to leave the court, so long as it is not for an extended amount of time. Prince Blueblood, would you like to speak to Ms. List in private?"

"Your Royal Highness, I think it might be best if I did." I answered, scrambling my brains to figure out what was going on.

"Then you are dismissed, though I expect you to return swiftly. Mr. Joe, I would speak to you on another matter."

Walking quickly, Civil and I exited the throne room and went into a nearby empty room. As soon as the door closed behind us, Civil turned her disapproving stare on me. "The House of the Night?"

My ears flattened. It was as if I was a foal again and used the wrong fork. "Yes, ma'am."

"You had every advantage a foal could ever ask for and you squander it.” Her time was deadly calm. I almost flinched, but my years of training with her prevented me from showing such a reaction. My gut twisted, though. The sensation of it was all too familiar.

“I’m an advisor to one of Their Royal Highnesses—“ In a rare show of temper, Civil rudely cut me off.

“You’ve never taken the time to develop your talents. You waste time fooling around and upsetting the other nobles. It’s a wonder the princess didn't banish you!" Her voice, normally devoid of emotion, picked up touches of anger.

I slowed my breathing. It wasn't as if she could punish me. "I've realized the severity of my actions--"

She cut me off. "Have you? I don't think so. A foreign princess and a common unicorn have both ascended into their positions as Princesses of Love and Friendship. You have nowhere near their drive to live up to their potential."

"What does it matter to you?" I asked coldly.

She sighed. Taking a moment, she calmed herself. "You thoughtless colt. Your actions have consequences beyond the tip of your horn. My reputation suffers thanks to you. With every tabloid article, my name is discredited. Every stumble you take drags my name through the mud."

"You got away with quite a pension, if memory serves, even if you had to split your income with your ex-husband.” Her glare nearly impressed me. But, I’d seen worse from more powerful ponies.

“I gave my life to try and ensure the future of the most noble house in all of Equestrian history and I lost everything.” Her voice was impressively understated. It almost hurt worse than the yelling. “My reputation was the last thing that mattered to me. And, like every other loss I’ve suffered, it’s thanks to you that even that is being tarnished.”

“This isn't about you and it sure isn't about me." I replied harshly. “This is about the ponies you associate with who think that any of this foolish pomp and circumstance means anything.”

Her head jerked upright. “You will rue the day you began having such an attitude. History is full of examples of those who throw away tradition and live just long enough to regret it.”

I shook my head. “I will never rule, Civil. I was never meant to be an alicorn. And everything I’ve done to disabuse you and Celestia of that notion has been for your own good.”

Closing her eyes, she took a breath and adjusted her glasses. Opening her eyes again, her gaze was the coldest I'd ever seen. "Don’t think I've forgotten the mudhole she pulled you from. Every action you've made only proves how much you don't deserve the kindness of the Sisters. It disgusts me to see you dishonor Celestia's charity and it's only a matter of time before Luna sees exactly the kind of ungrateful brat you are. Consider this friendly advice; what goes up must come down. I worked very hard to keep the inevitable from happening out of loyalty to Princess Celestia. But it seems you're bound and determined to return to your natural state."

"Civil." I stated softly, my body shaking. "Go to tartarus." I fixed my best glare on her.

A hoof knocked on the door. One of Luna's guards spoke. "Her Royal Highness has requested the Prince's presence with all haste."

I made to walk past her. As I did, she gave me her parting shot. "You are filth."

Ignoring the old mare's venom, I shook myself and walked back to the throne room. The handful of courtiers made plenty of room for me, avoiding my gaze like the plague. Was that new? I honestly had never noticed until now. Back at Luna's side, I nodded to Joe and took a shaky breath.

Before we could speak, another petitioner entered, seeking a judgment from Luna. Joe moved away from the dais and joined the onlookers, keeping his eyes on me the whole time. I turned my focus on the petitioner.

"You seek damages against my sister?" Luna asked, her tone even but her eyes incredulous.

The pony stamped a hoof indignantly. "Her sun schedule is unfairly decreasing the productivity of my farm. The strain of grain I grow is going bad thanks to the amount of sunshine over my land."

Luna tilted her head. "Is this not a matter for weather ponies?"

"I'm suing them too." The farmer pouted.

Luna seemed at a loss. With a laugh, I leaned over to consult. "Charges against Celestia must be brought up in her court first. If a ruling does not meet the petitioner’s expectations of fairness they may appeal. That appeal is filed to the Equestrian Council, not the Night Court. The rule was devised when Cadence became a princess to prevent suits between Noble Houses."

Stunned, Luna turned to me. "Thank you, nephew."

P.B. and ... Candy?

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I was in the throne room, but it was dark. On the room's edges, shadows curled and wove themselves into a kaleidoscope of terrifying shapes. I focused on the petitioner. Civil List stood before the Night Court.

"There sits a traitor beside the throne!" She declared, pointing a hoof at me.

"Oh?" A low alto voice asked. "And how hast the prince betrayed us?"

"Luna, I would never--" I protested.

"Silence!" Luna hissed, her head wreathed in darkness, only two yellow eyes glowing back at me. I stiffened and closed my mouth.

Civil grinned. "The prince is unworthy of his crown. His heart belongs to a common baker stallion."

"It does not!" I roared.

The yellow eyes narrowed and the voice boomed. "We shall have order in our court. Do not speak again, unless spoken to. Continue, Lady List."

List curtsied. "Thank you, Your Royal Highness. In addition to his perversion, the prince harbors no love for either House of Day or Night. His behavior will surely lead both to disgrace. He is a worthless prince; no good has been done by his hoof or by his words. He is not even capable of succeeding either Head of House, let alone rule. I say that he should return to the muck from whence he was plucked and let worthier ponies stand in his place."

"Speak now, prince. Dost thou have anything to say?" Luna asked.

My throat nearly seized up on realizing the princess was very different. "Your Royal Highness, I honestly seek to improve my reputation. I ask only for time-"

"Time?" Civil scoffed. "Your Royal Highness, this ungrateful whelp had time in plenitude. Years, even. He only squanders them."

"And to the offense of loving another stallion?" Luna asked.

"Your Royal Highness, I don't love Pony Joe that way. He is...a friend." The words sounded wrong.

Luna’s yellow eyes narrowed again. "Then thou didst lie to us before, when thou didst say that he was not your friend."

I was at a loss. "Your Roy--"

"Quiet your lying tongue before I remove it myself. How canst I believe a word from that bedeviled mouth?" She stood, taller than I remembered and with a darker coat. The princess was clad in armor and her fangs glittered. Nightmare Moon! "I think returning you to the muck is too good. You will lie under it, in death!"

"Lu-Luna!" I cried, backing up. She was on me in a flash.

"Time to see if your blood truly is blue!" She said, cackling. Her mouth dove. I flinched, awaiting the fangs in my flesh.

And I waited.

Daring to open my eyes, I saw Nightmare Moon inches away, frozen in place.

"I have to say, that was one of the more...dramatic performances I've seen in a dream." A voice, much more like the Luna I knew, said.

I looked over Nightmare Moon's shoulder to see Luna waving and smiling. Inching away from the frozen villain, I looked at Luna and asked, "A dream?"

She nodded. "I needed to speak to you."

"You can influence dreams?" I asked. Then it hit me. "Did you send me this nightmare to teach me a lesson?"

Her eyes widened a bit, but then her expression returned to normal. She shook her head. "The nightmare was of your own creation. I merely stopped it." She started walking away, down towards the throne room exit. "Wouldst thou walk with us a while?"

I took one look at the frozen Nightmare Moon and Civil List. Whatever Luna had planned, it was surely better than this. I galloped over to her side before she'd made it halfway. The scene around us became hazy, but brighter.

"I can influence dreams, but all dreams start with their ponies. A pony dreams in order to distill the wide buffet of information that they take in each day. Your mind discards some of that information and focuses on others. Your dream tonight is in response to your encounter with your tutor, as well as the fears that plague you." The last part was not a question.

"Why are you here?" I asked, irritated at the petulance in my voice again.

She stopped and turned to face me. "To help."

"I'm not worth your time." I insisted.

She tilted her head. "Why not?"

"I'm a useless prince! I use ponies for my own gain and I have nothing to contribute to Equestria. You should just abandon me like your sister did." I looked down before I could cry.

Luna’s voice was soft, but persistent. "Why do you feel this way?"

When I looked up again, she was gone.

Turning around, I saw the scene change. A young white coated blond colt practically bounced with excitement. Shaking my head, I groaned. Civil List was back, standing beside the young prince and taking a minute to scold him for not standing still. "Have I taught you nothing?" She asked. "Behave yourself or we will turn right back around this instant!"

With a visible effort, the colt stood still, his energy now contained to a wide grin and bright eyes. Turning to his tutor, the colt asked. "Do you think she'll be proud of me?"

Civil sniffed, looking down her nose. "You'd better hope she has more of an idea what it means than you do. How can you not remember when you got it?"

"But, Civvie, I was so busy all day..." The colt started.

Civil silenced him. "Don't take that whining tone. You know how I feel about that." She rummaged in her bag and retrieved a wrapped candy. "Here, have one of these until we speak to the princess."

"Her Royal Highness will see you now." A guard intoned as the door opened. In numb shock, I followed. I knew what was going to happen, but hoped that Luna would change it again.

Celestia stood from the throne and smiled. "Prince Blueblood. Civil List. It is good to see you, but couldn't this wait until after court?"

Civil sniffed. "His Highness was quite excited and was insistent it be now."

Celestia looked at little Blue. "You're not giving Civil a hard time, are you?"

Little Blueblood shook his head, then remembered himself and bowed. "Your Royal Highness..."

"You could call me Celestia." She pointed out.

"No, ma'am, not in your court." Little Blue argued.

"Blueblood! Do not disagree with the princess!" Civil hissed.

Little Blue’s ears drooped. "But you always say..."

"What did I say about arguing?" Civil asked.

Little Blue turned his eyes on his aunt, who'd been sidetracked by an advisor. When she turned back, she sighed. "The delegation from Saddle Arabia is here early. Civil, please keep him entertained. Blue, behave and whatever it is, it can wait until dinner, okay?"

"But!" Little Blue protested, but Celestia had already turned away.

"Come now, Blueblood. What did I tell you about this?" Civil said, turning the little prince back towards the exit.

I turned to watch them go and Luna stood before me. "I think I understand things better now." She said quietly.

My anger flashed. "You did this! You pulled this memory up and made me relive it! I hate you. Get out of my dream, now, Princess Luna!"

A wind kicked up, strong enough that Luna seemed to be moving with it. "Blueblood!"

"OUT!"

I woke up in bed in my suite in Luna’s Wing of the palace. I kicked myself mentally for kicking her out of the dream. That last part hadn’t exactly been a dream, though. And if Luna could call up my memories, I shuddered to think what she might find there. Ponies in my time do things differently than they did in hers. It was one thing for her to hear of my reputation, quite another for her to relive it through my memories.

Standing up, I looked at my mirror. I was a bit disheveled from sleep, but my eyes were determined. I could not seek Luna’s help this way.

P.B. and ... Love

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I'd left the palace early that morning. The prospect of running into Luna, even if she'd only been part of the dream, was not a pleasant one. Without guards, I bought a hat and cloak; I really would have to thank Joe for deciding to pay me. The clothes weren't exactly fashionable, but that was the point. For the time being, I couldn't handle being me.

After much wandering in the pre-dawn hours, I found myself in an unfamiliar, dimly-lit part of town. I lit my horn, casting a blue glow in order to not be recognized as somepony special. The light spell made me realize how hungry I was. I hadn’t eaten since getting up.

Unfortunately, after the outfit I was also not really in a position to buy much food. I'd only grabbed a small hoof-full out of the coin purse in my drawer; now I'd come to regret it. Looking around, I realized my second regret. I was lost.

Why did I think this was a good idea?

Well, at least I wasn't having an unpleasant conversation with my aunt. Would Luna tell Celestia? I could only imagine what Celestia would say when she found out. I finally realized what I wanted though. I just had to find Pony Joe’s donut shop in the dark of early morning. I just picked a direction and started heading that towards the rising sun. It felt as good as any other direction, at least.

"Blue?" A familiar voice called out after a few blocks. Things had started looking familiar, although it was hard to tell in the dark.

I turned around. "Joe?"

Sure enough, it was Pony Joe. He carried a few boxes, presumably full of donuts, in his magic. "You lost?" He asked gruffly, as if he already knew the answer. Well, to be fair, he was right.

Couldn't let him know that. "No, I was just about to go get something to eat. How did you recognize me anyway?"

Did he blush just then? It sure seemed like he was redder than before. "You have a particular...way of walking."

"Way of walking?" I asked.

Joe changed the subject. "So, if you're not doing anything just now, maybe you'd like to come with me to the soup kitchen. I volunteer there every so often. It's worked out well, some of my best bakers were down on their luck ponies."

I hesitated. A soup kitchen filled with poor people? I was trying to suppress those memories. Then again, I wasn't exactly rich myself, especially right now. Besides, I needed to go to work with Joe later today and I had no clue how to get to his shop from here. And maybe I could claim royal privilege and snag some soup.

"I suppose." I said.

"Great!" Joe exclaimed, passing two boxes over to me. I took them in my magic and followed him.

Ten seconds into the soup kitchen and it seemed like regret would follow me around today. The plain wooden décor, the long tables and benches, even the way the soup was served out in a line all reminded me of the orphanage. The muck I came from, I heard Civil say in my head. Shaking myself, I closed my eyes and concentrated on breathing. It was just my bad luck that Joe stopped in front of me, leading to an awkward rear-ending.

"Sorry!" I said quickly, catching the donuts before they hit the floor.

Joe looked embarrassed, not that I could blame him. "It’s okay, just watch where you're going next time. Good catch, by the way. Can you put them all back in the boxes?"

"Uh, sure." I said, and did just that. I wasn't especially gifted at magic, but I had at least that much down.

The donuts safely taken away from me, Joe handed me an apron and we started cooking. Or, rather, he started cooking and I passed him ingredients. Together, we took the soup over to the ladling station and set out the other assorted foodstuffs. The other volunteers opened up the kitchen to the needy ponies and I watched as they filed by. Mares, stallions, foals and elders, but especially mares and foals, all were served kindly and with a friendly amount of banter. Stories were traded, laughs were shared and, aside from the looks of everything, it couldn’t have been less like the orphanage.

I found myself relaxing.

Until my stomach rumbled. Loudly.

Joe just so happened to be nearby. "Oh! Blue, I'm sorry. I didn’t think to ask if you’d eaten yet. Well, everypony's been served and there's more than enough here. If you don't mind eating something from a soup kitchen..."

My stomach rumbled again. "Uh, no. I-I don't mind, that is. I'll, uh, just go get myself a plate."

After my simple, yet hearty, meal was finished, ponies started leaving to go back to wherever they came from. Joe organized the volunteers and things were clean again in no time. Joe motioned me over to a table. I went and sat, Joe joined me with another pony who'd volunteered.

"Sue, this is Blueblood. Blueblood, this is Sue Chef." Joe said by way of introduction.

Sue Chef was a cream colored mare with a deep red mane. Her eyes were a beautiful turquoise and she smiled wide and often. "As in Prince Blueblood?" She asked, her eyebrows up in surprise.

I took off my hat and shook out my mane. The effect was rather spoiled by how sweaty my mane was. "The same."

"Well, I never expected to meet royalty. It truly is a pleasure." She said brightly, extending a hoof.

After a moment's hesitation, I took her hoof and kissed it. She giggled. "Ooh, what a charmer!"

Oops, I hope she didn't think I was interested. Having mares interested in me tended not to work out well for me.

"Sue is going to run the shop for me while I'm away." Joe explained.

"Away?" I asked.

"Yeah, I have to go see the opening of a shop in Las Pegasus. It'll be right on the edge of The Strip, so it'll be a pretty grand opening." Joe said, smiling.

I swallowed my feelings and returned the smile. "Sounds like a lot of fun."

"Should be. Sue already knows about your arrangement, so Luna will still get her death-by-chocolates and other goodies." Joe said, as if to reassure me. I wasn't reassured at all. I barely knew Sue and already this wasn't going well.

An uncomfortable quiet fell over the table. We looked at each other, all seemingly incapable of coming up with a single thing to say. I stood up first. The other two followed. "I just need to go to the bathroom. I'll be right back." I said, trotting swiftly to the stallion's room.

As I washed my face, Joe came in. "Everything alright? I'm sorry I sprang this on you. The builders surprised me, this building wasn't supposed to be ready this soon."

"I'm fine." I said stiffly, turning to the faucet to douse my face again.

"Blue, look at me." Joe said quietly. He stood beside me.

"What?" I asked, annoyed.

"Blue, I'm sorry." He repeated.

I rolled my eyes. "I know."

He shook his head. "No, I mean, I've got another thing to be sorry for. I'm going to tell you now, because you're already mad with me."

I sighed, annoyed that he would presume to know my feelings. "I'm not—wait what?"

"When you started working for me, I looked up your history. I heard a lot of rumors about you." He began.

"I would imagine so." I said, numbly.

He came clean. "Blue, I know about the orphanage."

"Oh." There wasn't anything else I could think of to say. What did he want?

He went on to explain. "Celestia kept it out of most news, but the Castle Times ran a short stub article about it in a weekday afternoon edition. I should've thought about how this all would make you feel. Looking you up, having you work for me, going to the orphanage in the poor district, and even inviting you here. But I didn't. I'm sorry."

"Why?" I asked.

He sucked in a breath and then let it out. "Because I wanted to get to know you. I wanted you to open up to me. But I’ve been dancing around the subject. The truth is, I was orphaned too."

I stared blankly. That was not the answer I was expecting. “I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything. I just wanted you to know. Sue and I were talking about how I was handling this,” he admitted.

"Add that to the list of things you told her before you told me." I said, pettily.

He winced. "I'm sorry."

"Maybe it's good we have some time apart. I need to think." I said, and exited the bathroom.

***

Sue turned out to be nice enough. Once she realized I knew what I was doing, she left me to my work and concentrated on the front and the ovens. When it came time to leave, I took a deep breath and centered myself.

I was not looking forward to this.

As the cab came to a stop in front of the castle, I steeled myself and took the donuts in my magic and hopped out. Nodding to the guard at the door, I entered the throne room and stopped to bow before Luna.

"We need to talk, Blue." Her voice was firm.

I gulped. "Right now, Your Roy--"

She cut me off. "Luna. Right now I am Luna. In court you can address me formally, but when it's just us, please just call me Luna."

"As you wish, Luna." I replied.

"Good. Blueblood, I must beg your forgiveness. I didn't know what I was pulling up when I triggered that memory. We could have just spoken." Luna said, her voice nearer than before.

I looked up to see her bowing to me. Civil really never prepared me to accept an apology from a ruler. "Uh, I'd rather not talk about it, Luna." I rubbed my neck and looked away. When I turned back, she caught my gaze.

"Are you still angry with me?" She asked quietly.

"Did you tell Celestia?" I asked in return. I readied myself for the inevitable confirmation. Of course Luna would have—

"No." She replied.

"Are you serious?" I asked, surprised.

Luna shrugged. "Why would I lie to you?"

"Because it's what everypony does to get their way." I blurted without thinking. "What makes a princess any different?"

"A lie would only serve to hurt you. If nothing else, I wouldn't want to hurt you, Blue." She stated calmly. "If and when you decide to make peace with Celestia, I will pledge on my honor as a princess that I will have your side. Celestia may have learned much from her mistakes with her apprentices, but she has much to do to make amends with you."

Remembering the dream, I brought up another question. "You wanted to help me. Why?"

She looked at me curiously. "I suppose telling you that we're family would be insufficient for you. So, let me say that I was also trying to return a favor."

I frowned. "What favor?"

"You have started paying attention at court and even giving me help on some of the newer laws and protocols." She reminded me. "I thought if I could help smooth things out between you and Celestia, we would be happier. It looks like we have a long way to go, though."

"Assuming I want to get there at all." I said, irritably.

"True. I shall leave it up to you. It's your decision from now on." Luna said. She took a step forward and hesitated. "May I?"

I was confused. "May you what?"

Luna looked a little embarrassed. "May I hug you? I don't want to surprise you or force contact on you. And you've backed away from me before."

"Oh." I shifted on my hooves uncomfortably. "Well, yes, I guess."

She pulled me into a warm embrace. I wasn't sure what to do with my hooves. Besides the size difference, was there an etiquette to this? How long did a hug last? It felt nice, if a little odd, and certainly nothing like when Joe touched me. Not as great, but good.

I patted her back, careful to avoid her wings. "This is a little embarrassing." I admitted.

She squeezed me. "Nopony else is here; no reason to be embarrassed."

Fair point.

As she let go, I stepped back and coughed into a hoof politely. "Th-thank you, Luna. For the apology, the hug, and everything."

"Are you still concerned about being kicked out of the noble houses entirely?" Luna asked baldly.

I coughed again. "Um, I suppose I am."

She closed her eyes and opened them slowly, her expression falling. "Is there any way to reassure you?"

I shrugged. "Not that I can think of."

"I shall work on earning your trust, Blueblood. In time, I hope you'll see me in a better light." Luna sighed as she returned to the throne. I followed, sitting at my place beside her.

Before she could start court, I reached out to her hoof. "Luna, what would you do if you found out someone kept a secret from you?"

She whipped her head around at a speed that likely would have snapped the necks of lesser ponies. "Have you never had to deal with this before?"

I waved a hoof. "No, I have, but I don't want to drive the other pony away this time."

Her eyes narrowed, but her expression remained soft. "I suppose that would depend upon why they decided to keep it a secret. What did they keep from you?"

I shrugged. “Joe lived in an orphanage too. He wanted to talk to me about it. He’s been taking me to the one on the other side of town, and to a soup kitchen mid-city. I guess he found out I lived in one when I was a foal, before Celestia adopted me.”

“Didn’t she prove your lineage by birth records? Would it not be more accurate to say, reunited with you?” Luna asked.

"I-I don't know. Ci-, uh, rumors always were that the records were faked,” I said. Luna’s look became sharp.

“I doubt that to be the case but I will look into it. Did you talk to Joe about your time in the orphanage?” She asked.

“I asked for some time to think about it. Was that bad?" I asked, worried.

"If I know Joe, he will be patient." Luna began. "I would not keep him waiting for long, though. You must consider your own feelings and his as well. If you cannot find it in you to return to that time in your head, then you must let him know. It will be hard, especially since he cares for you as a friend."

I removed my hoof from hers. "Thank you for the advice, Aunt Luna."

She turned back to face forward. "Thank you for trusting me to give it."

As the formality and ceremony of opening Night Court began, I had a lot on my mind. Did I care for Joe like he did for me? Would such a common background make us more than just friends? I didn't have many true friends; I wasn't sure I could handle losing one now.

But did I ever want to think of that old place again?

P.B. and ... Memories

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Idly, I wondered when Joe would be back. He'd never given a specific time, so he could've been there at any moment. I took a tray of cinnamon rolls out of an oven and sighed. It reminded me of our time together. Setting the tray down, I covered my face in my hooves and groaned. Why had I insisted on waiting?

"I'm home!" Joe practically sang as he walked in the front door. I ran out of the kitchen to see him.

There was a stallion standing beside Joe, leaning on him casually. Intimately, even. He was another unicorn; he was red with black legs and muzzle. His tail was black while his black mane had a shock of white. While Joe's eyes roamed around the shop, the mystery stallion's green eyes were fixated on Joe with complete devotion.

"Joe!" Sue Chef exclaimed happily. "Good to see you again! How was Las Pegasus?"

"Better than I could have imagined!" Joe replied, turning to touch noses with the stallion beside him.

"J-Joe?" The name escaped my throat before I could stop myself. "I-I thought..."

Joe looked at me with pity. "Halfway through the trip, I hit a pretty big low. I found the new love of my life, though and he's made me nothing but completely happy

Joe looked at my shocked expression and nudged my shoulder. "You'll find someone who can love you as more than a friend. And you'll love them, too. I just hope whoever it is can match your standards. Celestia knows I couldn't." Joe said with a smile.

What? When was more than friendship on the table? "Joe, no, you, I..."

"Anyway, we have to go. Bye Blueblood." Joe announced suddenly. I blinked and noticed both of them dressed in white suits.

"Where are you going?" I asked, my heart in my throat.

"Why, to get married of course!" Joe laughed.

I blanched. "Joe, you just met..."

"The love of my Life, remember? Why would I wait!" The pair laughed as they turned around and walked away.

It finally clicked. This had to be a dream. "Luna! Aunt Luna! Please!"

The shop melted away, to be replaced by a sea of stars. I floated in the night sky as a warm breeze fluttered past. "I am here, nephew. I'll admit, I wasn't sure that you would call on me."

Luna glided down through the endless heavens and took me in her hooves. I relaxed in her embrace; the racing in my heart from the heightened emotions slowed. I pulled away to speak to her.

"How much of that did you see?" I asked.

"Only the end, when you called me. Princess' Honor." She held up a forehoof and placed the other over her heart. "I did see two stallions leaving dressed in white. One looked surprisingly familiar."

I sighed. "Which one?"

She smiled. "Brown coat, darker brown mane, striking resemblance to a certain favored baker. You seemed most upset to see them go."

I buried my face in her shoulder.

"Isn't this a good thing?" She asked, wonderingly.

I protested. "How could it be?"

She snorted. "Finding a pony with whom you share affection is usually seen as a positive thing."

"But, this pony..." I drifted off.

"Helped you in the middle of the night. Stood up for you in my Court. Let you stay with him when you were down emotionally. Has taught you how to bake, which is his talent and passion." She pointed out helpfully.

"When you put it that way." I replied.

She smiled. "Makes one seem oblivious, does it not?"

"Thank you, Luna." I said, nearly exasperated.

"You're welcome." She said, likely intentionally ignoring the attitude behind my words.

I ran a hoof through my mane. "What do I do? I’ve never shared my past with anypony!"

Luna placed a hoof on my shoulder. "You cannot bear to see him with another pony, correct?"

I fought with myself over the answer, but in the end there was really only one. "I can't. Call me envious."

"I shan't." She assured me. "Well, I shan't if you confess your love in return."

"Love! We’re just friends!” I protested further.

“Not to sound too much like your nightmare version of me, but didn't you say you weren’t even friends previously?” She asked, eyebrow arched.

“Thanks for reminding me about that,” I said, half-heartedly. “I don’t know if I love him. Or anypony. Am I even capable of it or is it just my possessiveness?" I asked.

"Do you want to own him? Control him? Have him with you at all times?" Luna asked seriously.

I thought about it. "No."

She smiled. "Then, I would err on the side of love. Although, if you would like a more experienced opinion, I'm sure Princess Cadence would--"

"No!" I replied. Trying not to think of my experiences with the Princess of Love. The starry surroundings shifted subtly, as if the stars decided to fall slowly.

Luna looked around and spoke hurriedly. "Careful, nephew. I did not mean trigger a memory, and in this realm it is easy to fall back into one. Just don't think about whatever it is that's troubling you."

It was easy for her to say. I tried not to think about it, but the more I tried, the less effective it was. The stars spun out of control until a new setting built itself around us. Walls rose, decorations sprouted like leaves on a vine and a young white-coated blond pony appeared. Before Luna could react, we stood in the hall outside Celestia's quarters.

Right next to a younger version of myself.

"Civil's wrong. I need to talk to Celestia about this. It isn't right that everypony else knows what their talent is, but I don't!" Younger Blueblood said aloud to psyche himself up to the task of talking to Celestia.

"I'm sorry, nephew. I can leave, if you'd like." Luna said to me, turning to the hallway.

"Get back here!" I hissed. "Can't you stop..."

"Blueblood, what are you doing here?" A young Cadence asked.

Young Blueblood stiffened. "If you must know, I am here to speak to my Aunt."

"Our Aunt." She corrected. "The House of the Heart is nearly as old as they come."

Young Blueblood puffed out his chest. "I am a prince of the House of the Day, a much older house by far. You're just some lucky lesser noble who got to be the Princess' hoof-maiden."

"Prince Blueblood, you wouldn't know a hoof-maiden from a barfly." Cadence said. "And if you think your annoying little games are going to get to me..."

"My annoying games?” Young Blueblood asked primly. “You give me too much credit, you simple-minded maiden. This is how the aristocracy works. Wake up from your little romance novels and realize that you play them just like everypony else."

Her eyebrows shot up in indignation. "I do not!"

"How do you think you got to where you are? Wait, let me guess, 'because I'm a good pony.'" Young Blueblood made a face. He started circling the mare. "Like it has nothing to do with mommy and daddy talking up a storm about you every chance they get at Court. 'Oh, Cadence is such a sweet mare.' 'Oh, you wouldn't believe how sweet she is with the filly she foalsits!' You're benefiting from this game just as much, if not more, than I am."

Cadence shook her head. "And what good does anypony have to say about you?"

"Good, bad, what does it matter? All anypony cares about is what other ponies can do for you." Young Blueblood flicked his tail, idly sitting with his back to Celestia's door. "So why don't you ditch the sweeter-than-syrup nonsense and just be who you really are inside?"

"Blueblood." The young Blue cringed. Both ponies turned to face Princess Celestia. "Is that any way for a young gentlecolt to speak to a mare?"

Young Blueblood bowed deeply. "I'm sorry, Aunt Celestia..."

She shook her head. "Don't apologize to me, Blueblood."

The young Blue turned to face Cadence and bowed to hide his expression of disgust. "My apologies, Lady Cadence."

The scene froze. "Sorry, that took a little longer to work than usual. Strong memories aren't as easy to stop as a made-up dream."

I shook myself as the scene faded into mist. "Good night, Princess Luna." I turned to walk away, but couldn't seem to make any progress. Sighing, I turned back around.

Luna looked worried. "Blue, please don't shut me out. I know you didn't mean for it to happen, but we should discuss--"

I snapped. "How your sister has treated me since I came to Canterlot? How I was left in the care of a pony whose only thought was her own advancement? Or maybe we could talk about how well she treated, and continues to treat, Cadence and Twilight?"

Luna shook her head. "Celestia does not know how to handle family. She's never been good at it. Our own parents weren't..."

"I don't care! She had hundreds of years to get over that. I don't have that kind of time." I turned away angrily. "Why? Why did I ever convince myself that she loved me?"

"Blueblood, be careful..." Luna's voice trailed off as ponies materialized before us. Celestia sat, her hoof brushing aside the hair of a foal version of me to expose a black eye. A third pony, the orphanage director Mrs. Tender Care, stood anxiously with one hoof over her mouth.

I moaned. This was an early memory that I'd tried to forget. My parents died just a few months before this and I hadn't had time to grieve for them before I started grieving for myself. I thought things couldn't get worse until the princess visited our little run-down home. An older colt had knocked me down for trying to avoid him. Unlike usual, he'd made a mistake and hit me where the bruise would be most noticeable. My feeble attempt to cover it up hadn't worked.

“I beg your pardon, my princess, but Mrs. Care didn't know. I hid it from her.” The foal Blueblood said. My parents had been proper-minded ponies and taught me manners before they passed.

The princess regarded him seriously. “Is that so?” He nodded. “Why would you hide this?”

Foal Blue opened his mouth to answer, then snapped it closed.

She smiled. “Young colt, a princess is not used to repeating herself. Please answer my question. Why hide this?”

He shook his head. “If I hadn’t, I’d get asked all sorts of questions. Then somepony would get in trouble and that would only make him madder at me.”

Celestia nodded. “Him, eh? So it is another colt? Have you ever told Mrs. Care or another adult about the problem with this other foal?”

“No ma'am.” He answered plainly.

The princess turned to Mrs. Care. “Were you aware of any problems with other foals?”

Mrs. Care bowed and answered. “No, my princess. I’ve had foals take turns going bully but I’d thought they were all well in hoof.”

After a calculating look, Celestia nodded. “One of the goals of this tour is to assess the conditions the most vulnerable amongst us face. You have a lot of foals to worry about, Mrs. Care. I believe you are doing your best, just as I am certain more could be done to assist you and foals like…” She drifted off and looked back at the foal.

“I’m sorry, where are my manners? What is your name, young gentlecolt?” She asked him kindly.

The foal bowed. “If it pleases Your Highness, I, Blueblood, am at your service.”

“Blueblood?” Celestia asked.

The foal looked up. “Yes, my princess. My parents were Fresh Blood and Red Blood. They were doctors during…”

“During the outbreak.” Celestia finished quietly. She brightened, taking the foal's chin in her hoof. “I know a few healing spells. With your permission, Blueblood, I can see to that eye.”

Civil List stepped forward. “Highness, it is quite inappropriate—" Celestia silenced the pony with a look.

“If it pleases Your Highness, permission granted.” Her horn glowed, casting an aura of healing magic over the colt's black eye.

Her work done, she leaned in close. “It seems Equestria is indebted to you. I will make sure that debt is paid.” Her expression was inscrutable.

The scene changed again, Celestia stood tall over the younger version of me. The bloody nose and black eye put the earlier memory to shame. My foalhood bully, Dirt Claude, cowered as the rest of the orphanage and Mrs. Care looked on.

"Don't lay another hoof on him." It was her voice. I looked up to see Celestia bent over, one wing around me as a foal. "He is descended from a royal line of my own house thought to be gone for centuries. As such, he is a Prince and under my authority."

"Really?" The foal Blue asked in awe.

Celestia looked down on him kindly. "Really. The Blood family line is related to my own."

Through his black eye, foal Blue looked at her with hope. "So, you're like my mother? Or grandmother?"

"Let's go with aunt, shall we?" Celestia said, smiling.

"Yes, Auntie Celestia." The two faded as they walked away.

"Those memories were less clear." Luna remarked by my side. She was right, there wasn't much to them besides the ponies involved.

"I'd mostly forgotten. I've been trying to forget. It was easier not to remember a time when she was good to me." I said as I sat. "She saved me from a very bad situation. I may not practice it often, but I do have a sense of duty. I can never repay her; and I guess I stopped trying."

"There have been mistakes on both sides. Celestia needs to realize hers. Can I help you?" Luna asked.

I nodded. "I think it's time. I need to know more about myself anyway."

She looked at my mark and nodded. "I will help as much as I can with that as well."

P.B. and ... Storytime

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"So, when is he supposed to be back?" I asked, trying to keep my tone even and casual. I don't think I was altogether successful, as Sue looked over at me with a knowing smile. I'd never gotten a straight answer out of her about how much she knew of the situation between Joe and I, but she seemed content to leave our business to us.

"Today. Maybe a few hours from now." She answered.

I panicked. Did I look okay? Why hadn't I thought to get a touch up on my hooves? Was my mane even in place?

"Couldn't have mentioned that earlier?" I whined.

She rolled her eyes. "You never asked. I figured you might be interested, but I'm a baker, not a mind-reader."

My eyes narrowed as I snorted. "I might have been a little quiet lately, but I thought I was being obvious."

She leaned on the counter with a playful smirk. "And believe you me, that has made the time go by like a dream. I thought the only thing you princely types ever sugared was your words, but to my surprise you actually seem competent enough for a junior baker."

"Is that supposed to be a compliment?" I asked, confused.

"Unless you think being a baker is insulting." She replied, arching her brows. "Now, I believe you have some work to do in the kitchen. We have a few orders and then you can get to work on Princess Luna's order. How does she manage to eat all those donuts without ruining her figure?"

"More ponies started showing up to Night Court. And I think the spell she uses for bringing out the night uses quite a lot of energy."

"Huh, guess that makes sense. Go ahead and make another dozen for her order. You know what she likes, so it's up to you."

***

The bell rang through the shop as the front door opened. Excited and nervous, I poked my head out to see if it was Joe. Sue sighed as she walked to the counter to help the customer. "It's not him, again."

I sighed frustratedly and went back into the kitchen. Rubbing my temples, I heard Sue apologize to the customer and take their order.

Get a grip, Blue! I yelled at myself internally. You're going to drive Sue nuts and then how will that look to Joe?

The bell rang out again and I was out by the counter before I could stop myself. Sue Chef didn't even look up this time. She sighed, flicked a page over on the magazine she had out in front of her and shook her head. "It's not him. Again. Should I even ask if the orders are done?"

"The orders are done, the dishes are clean, the kitchen is immaculate and set up for tomorrow, the old dough is portioned and in the fridge for you to take home, the inventory is checked and in order, the laundry service came by, the laundry was sorted and set up for tomorrow, and I feel a little light headed to be honest." I finished by sitting down where I stood. Hard.

Sue turned around to look at me with concern. "You overexerted yourself magically with all of that at once, didn't you?"

"Not all of it at once." I protested feebly.

She looked toward the ceiling, as if in supplication. "Unless I'm mistaken, running multiple spells is not your special talent. I'm surprised you're still conscious."

"Thank you, Sue." I deadpanned.

"Are you even thinking about what that would do to Joe? There's a nice welcome for him, to come back and see you passed out on the floor. It's not like you're Twilight Sparkle." She remarked, waving a hoof idly.

"Thank. You. Sue." I said through gritted teeth. Of all the things I was prepared to deal with today, being compared to Celestia's precious bookworm wasn't one of them.

"You're welcome." She sighed. "So, what is your special talent anyways?"

"You sure your talent isn't in idle gossip?" I lashed back.

She snorted, but smiled. "I'm just trying to make polite conversation."

"Well, politely go boil your head." I snapped, closing my eyes to keep the room from spinning. "Actually, don't. I just cleaned the deep-fryers and don't want to try pulling mane hairs out of them."

Sue snorted, although it seemed to be more out of laughter than frustration. "I'm going to ignore that because I know you don't mean it."

Turning away, the bell rang out again. I didn't even open my eyes. Suddenly, passing out on the floor didn't seem like such a bad idea.

"I'm back!" Joe declared in a sing-song voice. My eyes snapped open and I lunged up to my hooves, trotted around the counter and stopped just short of running into Joe. "Well, someone's happy to see me!"

"You have no idea." Sue remarked behind me. I decided to ignore her.

I fixed my eyes on the pony of my affections. "Joe! I have something to tell you.”

Joe waved a hoof. “Look, it was horrible of me to try and sneak around trying to—“

I grabbed his muzzle and closed it with both hooves. "I don't want to hear that again." His eyebrows bunched together in confusion. "I mean, you've been really good to me and even if we're not from the same level socially, I can't ignore how good you are for me. You've made me the happiest I've been since--" My voice broke, and I coughed into my hoof to clear my throat. "Since my parents got sick."

Letting go of his muzzle, I wrapped my hooves around him. He embraced me in return. "Why would I think you're horrible? I know what it feels like when somepony is using me to serve their own ends. You might’ve wanted to push our friendship to a new level, but you were finally honest about it.”

Sitting back to look me in the eyes, he answered. "Because I don't want to lose you. I don't think I could stand going back...back to not having a friend like you. I've tried telling myself I couldn't be in your world. I've tried telling myself that you'd hurt me or think of yourself as above me.”

"I don’t think you're horrible,” I said simply.

"That's all you have to say?" He asked, surprised. "Because I've got to say, that's not exactly a ringing endorsement."

"I really don't think you're horrible?" I offered, smirking. I narrowed my eyes, eliciting a laugh from Joe and another hug. "Oh come on, you made me wait a week. How could I not mess with you?"

I pushed against him teasingly, but he didn't release me. "I don't know, I think it would be easy to be nice to somepony you love. As a friend.” He amended quickly.

I realized how close we were. “Is that all we are? Friends?”

“Could we be something more?” He asked, almost dismissive. Then he realized I was serious. "Sugar and spice, Blue. You get both with me." Joe said, holding me at a forelimbs length. “I’m not the nicest or the most refined or even usually attracted to stallions—“

It clicked. The feeling I got every time I ever called him a friend. It was because he wasn’t just a friend to me. He was maybe the first pony I knew who could really handle me at my worst. Now I just had to convince him that I was feeling what I was feeling.

“‘Usually attracted to stallions?’” I asked. “But you are attracted to me?”

“Blueblood, you’re one of the most beautiful ponies I’ve ever known. But beyond your physical attributes, you’ve got something deep in your eyes that I can’t wait to see ignite.” He brushed my mane out of my face. The contact was electrifying.

His wide grin warmed my heart and made my brain go fuzzy. He leaned in and I let out a soft, undignified squeak as Joe gave me the softest kiss I'd ever received from anypony. My limbs went weak and I returned his affection with unbridled enthusiasm.

Sue coughed politely and I was glad to see nopony else in the store. I blushed and turned away from Sue, but I must have done so quickly because the room spun violently.

When I came to, Joe's turned to me with a smile. In spite of his efforts, he still looked concerned about me. "You overdid it today, huh?" He asked.

I nodded. "Had a lot of nervous energy."

He let out a shaky breath that bordered on laughter. "I can only imagine. Well, and Sue's description of your behavior painted an adorable picture."

"Shut up, I'm not adorable." I complained.

He kissed the end of my nose and I blushed at his loving gaze. "Definitely adorable."

I covered my face with my hooves. "Hate you."

"Love you too." He replied, unfazed.

"I take it my nephew is awake?" Luna's voice called from the doorway. Joe turned so that Luna could inspect me herself. We were in Joe's office, which I'd only seen rarely. I'd have to remember to ask Joe about the cot I was on and why it was here. "It seems you have a tendency to fall unconscious around here more often than the average pony."

"Ugh, is everypony going to make fun of me today?" I tried getting up, but was stopped by Joe's hoof.

"Actually, it is night time now." Luna pointed out ever-so-helpfully.

I started, only to get pushed back down. "What about Night Court?"

"Cancelled it tonight to see where my top advisor was. There was only a hoof-full of non-emergency cases that I had to reschedule."

"I'm sorry I interrupted your normal duties, princess." I apologized.

Luna sighed. "Believe me, I needed the interruption." Turning to Joe, she asked, "So, what is your recommendation?"

Joe shrugged. "We could trade stories and eat donuts. I still have your order here and there's plenty to go around. Sue is around here too, maybe she'd like to join in."

"I'll go ask her, you see to my nephew's happiness." Luna arched a single brow knowingly, her command tinged with a bit of good-humored threatening.

***

"All right, cutie mark stories!" Sue Chef announced. "I'll start. My mother was sick at the time and dad was completely useless in the kitchen. So I woke up early one morning, broke out my mom's recipe cards and followed the instructions. When I served it to my parent's in bed, voila! Cutie mark." She turned to show her mark, a patterned china plate with a fork sticking out of a pile of noodles and white sauce.

Nudging Joe, the stallion blushed briefly and showed off his pink-iced donut cutie mark. "Not much to mine really. Made donuts for a bake sale for school. Bam! Cutie mark."

His eyes turned to Princess Luna. "What about you, princess?"

Sue clapped her hooves together excitedly. "Oh yes, please tell us!"

Luna smiled and shook her head. "'Tis an old and frankly boring story." She demurred, waving a hoof.

"Oh, please, princess!" Sue looked about ready to burst, her lower lip quivering and her eyes as big as dinner plates.

Luna looked at Sue and snorted in amusement. "Fine, put away those vast pools! A diamond dog puppy would look less longingly at a ruby!"

Her horn lit to show a scene above her head as she narrated. "A long time ago, before the founding of Equestria, our world and the cosmos around it were kept in motion by their own natures. Sun and moon rose and fell of their own accord and time largely passed in natural harmony." An image of the world spinning slowly, encircling a bright sun and encircled by a soft white moon appeared.

"Then everything changed when Discord came to power. His chaos broke the forces of nature." The scene became a helter-skelter of clashing colors and mind-boggling impossibilities made real. Ordinary objects took on lives of their own, strange patterns wove themselves around houses and ponies were caught in bout of unpredictable weather and strange phenomena.

"My sister and I were young unicorns born to the strongest pair out of the two strongest and oldest houses of unicorn nobility. Our parents produced us before Discord's reign. Our houses kept much of the chaos from our land, but this time was running out." The sisters as young fillies appeared, in a city protected by strong shields held together by light and dark colored unicorns.

"As Discord's chaos destabilized Equestria, Celestia and I found ourselves under increasing pressure to obtain our marks and take the elements of the tree of harmony to restore order. The strain was incredible for two fillies." She glanced at me briefly. "Celestia earned hers first by developing a spell to raise the sun at her command. She helped me to develop a similar spell for the moon and I earned mine. We became the first alicorns in centuries." First Celestia, then Luna were engulfed in brilliant light and sprouted wings. Their manes became the flowing night sky and brilliant rainbow hues that they were today.

"Before us, they were thought of as creatures of myth and legend, even finding their way onto the Equestrian flag long before my sister and I attained such power." The scene changed to show the sister united against Discord. "And, well, the rest is history. With our deep loving connection we were able to wield the Elements of Harmony and banish Discord, establishing our rule by consent of the three tribes and lived in peace. Most of the time, anyway. There were other battles, but those are stories for another time."

As we sat in reverent silence, I finally pried my eyes away from Luna to gauge my companions' response. Their eyes, however, had fixated on me. I drew in a breath slowly and prepared myself for the one question I hated.

Of course, Sue spoke up first. "Alright, Blueblood."

"How could I possibly follow that?" I asked, avoiding the direct gaze of the three ponies before me. "I'm just a prince. Celestia rediscovered a branch of her house which led down to my parents and me."

"Perhaps it is best to leave this for another time. The hour is nearing for ponies to be in bed." Luna announced to my great relief.

Sue sighed, looking at the clock. "Wow, you're right. I didn't realize it was so late!"

The three got up. I tried to follow, but Joe pushed me back down again. "Princess, I will make sure the prince here gets a good night sleep at my place, if you don't mind."

"Of course, Joe. Have a good night, Blueblood!" Luna called as she made her exit.

I sighed, resigning myself to Joe's scrutinous look. It seemed my newly minted coltfriend wasn't about to let this story go.

P.B. and ... Relationships

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"What's the deal with your cutie mark?" Joe asked baldly as I sat on his bed at home. His home, I mean.

I looked away. "Joe, it's just not something I'm comfortable talking about."

"Not even with me?" He asked.

"Especially with you." I replied angrily. I bit my lower lip and looked away. "It's embarrassing."

"You're a prince. It can't be that bad." Joe pressed on.

I heaved a heavy sigh. "Fine. I guess if I can't trust you with it than I'll never be able to fix the problem."

Joe sat next to me and wrapped a forelimb around me. "I wasn't raised by Princess Celestia. Technically, yes, she's my aunt and was my guardian, as well as my Head of House. But I was left mostly in the care of my tutor, Civil List. Civil was one of Celestia's advisors who specialized in etiquette and heraldry. She could name you every noble, guild master, and major business owner in the country. I guess Celestia didn't feel up to the task of raising me herself and she had to run the country."

"Civil...wasn't a nice pony. She'd spent years climbing the social ladder to become an advisor to the princess. So she resented being demoted to nursemaid, even to Celestia's nephew. I didn't understand much of this when I first arrived in Canterlot, but I've learned a lot since then."

"Civil hates traveling. She gets really bad motion sickness in even the slowest of pony-drawn carriages. So for years I was stuck in the castle, only allowed to go out in the city rarely for this event or another. Civil kept me on a short leash for quite some time. On the second birthday I had in Canterlot, I'd begged Civil to let me go out in the city and see some sights I'd heard other foals talk about. Civ was in a rare good mood and allowed me to go with some of my aunt's guards. They were under the princess' orders to keep me in line but also let me have a good time and I got away with a lot more than I ever would've admitted at the time. The day was cold, so I'd had a cloak on the entire time and that was the one rule I'm sure I followed even away from Civil."

"It wasn't until we got back that I took the cloak off and realized I'd gotten my mark." I turned to look at my flank. A gold four pointed star overlaid on a silver four pointed star.

"A compass rose?" Joe guessed.

"You know how bad I am with finding my direction." I pointed out.

Joe's head snapped back. "You'd never been out of the castle? For almost two years?"

"Congratulations, Joe, you're catching up. Still a little behind." I remarked drily.

"How many places did you go to for your birthday?" Joe asked.

"I don't know." I said, bewildered.

Joe twisted his mouth, then spoke. "It's important. Where did you go?"

I looked down, scouring my brain. "Uh, let me think. These are all out of order, mind you, but hmm. The Canterlot Zoo. An ice-cream shop. A bakery. The Canterlot National Museum..."

"You went to a museum for your birthday?" Joe asked, eyebrows raised.

I shrugged. "It was different. Sorta. The castle is a little like a museum, but I want to go see one because I hadn't been to one as far as I could remember. Then there was a festival in the Prench Quarter where I nearly slipped my guards and joined the parade. A restaurant for lunch. We toured some old mines in Alicorn Mountain and then we went ice skating."

"You really did get around to a lot that day." Joe remarked.

I smiled. "Yeah. It was the most fun I'd had since I moved to Canterlot." My smile faltered. "Until I got home and realized that I didn't know what I'd gotten my cutie mark in. We pretty much ruled out every activity I did that day. None of them matched my mark."

"Princess Celestia must have noticed something, at least?" Joe prompted.

"Civil told her that I got it for planning out my trip. Which I didn't. It was very spur of the moment and my guards weren't exactly thrilled to find themselves subject to the whims of a colt. Although I do remember one was a very good sport about the whole thing. What was her name?" I thought for a moment. "Ah! Macha Method. Apparently, she'd had foals of her own, so she was used to dealing with excited little balls of energy."

"Odd name." Joe remarked.

I shrugged. "Old name. I think it was Sireish. She had a slight accent, at any rate. Method retired not too long after."

I sighed again. "Well. Now you know."

Joe nodded. "I can see why you didn't want to talk about it. Does Luna know then?"

I nodded. "She accidentally triggered a memory in a dream I had."

"Oh, so she doesn't know." He said, crossing his forelimbs.

"No, she does." I replied.

"Does not. You just said it was in a dream of yours." Joe pointed out.

"You’re being a bit thick." I observed.

He snorted. "You're being a lot obtuse. What, did you tell her about this dream?"

I shook my head again. "No, the real Luna. She's the princess of the night, remember? Do you think her powers are limited to raising the moon?"

Joe tapped his chin. "I suppose. But that's a bit...strange."

I nodded. "I certainly thought so at first. She says she wants to help me."

"Help you do what?" Joe asked.

I sighed, turning to look at him sidelong. "Mend my relationship with Celestia."

Joe raised his brows again. "What relationship with Celestia? I thought she didn't raise you."

I put my head in my hooves. "I looked up to her. Idolized her. Even in spite of everything, every punishment, every time she couldn't make time for me, every time one of her other students took up her schedule, even after kicking me out of my own house, I love her. Damn it." My eyes misted over. "She saw a young colt in need and stepped in to make my life better and I can't even..." I trailed off, choking back a sob.

Joe wrapped his limbs around me. "Can't what, Blue?"

I pushed him back to look him in the eye. "I can't get anything right. My best guess was that my mark was a compass rose, so I was apprenticed to the Royal Cartographer to learn geography. I was young and stupid. I couldn't concentrate on maps. Hearing about interesting places from some other pony bored me. Instead, I started appreciating the topography of the Cartographer's daughter."

I shook my head, averting my gaze from Joe. It was probably not a great idea to talk about an ex in front of my current special somepony, but this was important. "When I broke things off to try to concentrate on my work so I could make my aunt proud of me...Four Points, that's her name, she took it badly. We'd fooled around and she got it in her head that I was more interested than I really was. She complained to her father who complained to Celestia. When I refused to apologize, Celestia did so on my behalf and my apprenticeship was canceled."

Joe nodded slowly, taking in the details. "And then?"

I wiped my eyes and continued. "It was one pattern of failure after another. I didn't learn from my mistakes right away so I earned a reputation. In time, it got easier just to be the pony everypony thought I was anyway. I felt powerful, as stupid as that sounds. Even with my reputation, ponies wanted to curry favor with me to get to the princess. I used them and threw them away. It wasn't worth explaining to them that associating with me would do them no favors with Celestia."

I looked into his eyes shamefully. "Do you think I'm horrible now?"

Joe let out a shaky breath. "Of course not. Do you think I'm the type to take horrible ponies home?"

I frowned. "But everything I've done...the ponies I used..."

Joe pushed a strand of my mane out of my face. "Do you want to keep doing that? Using ponies?"

"No, but..." I began, but he quieted me.

He shook his head. "No, Blueblood. No buts. We aren't defined by the mistakes we make but by the lessons we learn from them."

"Wish everypony saw it that way." I muttered.

Joe smiled. "Anypony who matters, will."

I reached out to him, pulling him close. "Right now, you're the only pony that matters."

He laughed. "Oh? Not still pining after Four Points? No secret flame still ablaze for a mare long out of reach?"

"I'll have you know that most ponies, mare or stallion, harbor more feelings for me than I do for them." I stopped, realizing what I just said. "Wow, that didn't make me sound good."

Joe rolled his eyes. "Focus, Blue. So, you've been with mares and stallions before."

"I am the prince of pleasure." I said.

"So you think." He challenged.

I quirked an eyebrow. "Oh? Is there another contender for my crown?"

Joe nodded, with a smile. "You're looking at him; I'm a stud."

I laughed and placed a hoof on his chest. It was surprisingly firm. Maybe this baker had something up his sleeves after all. "I'll be the judge of who the stud is."

***

"You're the stud." I admitted, stretched out lazily in his bed the next morning.

"You're pretty studly yourself." Joe muttered sleepily, his forelimb over my chest.

I struggled to between protesting further or feeding my ego. Unaccustomed to making allowances for other ponies, my ego won out. Turning towards him, I used his forelimb to tug him close enough to kiss. My tongue roamed around and over his before I broke away to trail kisses down his jawline. He moaned before he could stop himself, dissolving into most unstallion-like giggles as I worked my way down his neck.

"You weren't this ticklish last night." Not like his ticklishness would stop me right now. I kept up the act as he started to laugh more deeply.

"I had...other things on my mind." He explained as he squirmed.

"Shouldn't you be up?" I asked through a happy haze.

Joe laughed softly in my ear. "I don't think I can get up again."

I turned and blew up his nostril. Joe turned away to sneeze. "Not what I meant. Don't you have a business to run?"

Joe rolled over, stealing the blanket. "That's why I have Sue. Besides, it's the weekend."

I rubbed a hoof down his spine in spiraling circles. Joe half turned back to face me and I marveled at the flexibility of this baker, not for the first time. "You make it very hard to pay you back, you know."

He shifted back to face me fully. Propping his head up on one forelimb, he set his other front hoof on my shoulder. "Maybe you're a little too focused on paying ponies back."

"I have to." I said.

Joe took a slow breath and let it out through his nose. His hoof drifted up from my shoulder to my cheek. "Love isn't a game you have to win. Nopony is keeping score of who does what for somepony else. Not if there is real love between them. I'm not saying you shouldn't try to take care of somepony you love, but thinking of love like it's some sort of debt isn't doing you any favors."

His words stung, but made sense. I sat up slowly and ran a hoof through my disheveled mane. "What do you want for breakfast?"

He rolled his eyes. "You don't have to..."

"I'm making breakfast." I asserted.

Joe lifted his other hoof in front of him. "Okay. How about fresh fruit and some yogurt?"

I snorted. "I can cook."

He simply smiled his usual scruffy smile. "Okay. Pancakes work too."

"All right. Show me how to make pancakes." I ordered.

He flopped back dramatically. "I thought you said you could cook!" He protested.

"I can. Just could use the company."

"Fine, but I'm taking a shower first." He said as he rose to his hooves.

"Sounds good, I'll join you." I said cheerfully.

He groaned. "You're going to be the death of me."

"You know you love my youthful energy."

"You're not that much younger than me!"

"Apparently I am." I teased.

He stopped in front of the bathroom door. "Fine. You only get to join me if I get to call you daddy."

I snorted derisively. "If anypony's getting called daddy, it's you, Mr. Business Owner."

He shrugged. "You're right. Which means I'll just have to call you Master, or My Liege, Mr. Royal Prince."

"You're a royal pain." I said, stepping up to get close to him. I looked down and then back up at him. "You don't regret getting intimate with me--"

"Tartarus no." He protested.

I smiled. "Let me finish! You don't regret getting intimate with me so soon in our relationship?"

He regarded me seriously. "Let me repeat myself; tartarus no! We're both adults, neither of us want to play games or test each other's commitment. I trust you. And I hope you won't get cold hooves about us being together like we are."

I caressed the side of his face with one hoof. "How can anypony get cold hooves with a stallion like you to keep them warm?"

"Sweet talker." He said accusingly, before leaning in to kiss me.

P.B. and ... Chaos

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Yeah.

No, really it made a lot of sense. I mean, why wouldn't he decide to make a visit to Canterlot? Some of his favorite ponies to torment were there. He'd appeared to needle my aunt during Day Court a few times. By and large, I'd avoided attracting his attention.

It was roughly a week after I started dating Joe. Joe and I were working our flanks off at the kitchen to fill an order for a wedding. Donut Joe's didn't do a lot of weddings usually, but this was for a regular, well-paying customer. I'd just pulled the last tray of cinnamon rolls out of the oven when it happened. In a puff of alarmingly green smoke and to the sound of a choir of distressed-sounding ducks, the master of Chaos himself appeared.

Discord.

Joe's turned around to take in the strange, bewildering assortment of limbs and extremities that made up Discord's form. From his odd mismatched bicorn horns to the tip of his asymmetrical hooves, the master of chaos and once ancient foe of the royal unicorn houses surveyed his unwilling audience.

"Unwilling! I'll have you know that most beings of all shapes and sizes are quite eager to see me appear!" Discord said, pouting as he crossed his incongruous forelimbs.

"Stay out of my head, you ill-assorted grab-bag of unpleasantness." I retorted.

Discord lifted his snout indignantly. "I was reading the narration. If I were to read your mind, Prince Bluecrud, I'm certain there wouldn't be more than a single lonely cricket chirping mournfully."

"Please don't turn him into anything unpleasant, Mr. Discord, someponies just don't appreciate a work of art." Joe said, stepping between me and Discord. I tried to shove his rump aside, but he remained firm.

"Firm indeed, and might I say I am surprised to see a unicorn with such finely toned glutes." Discord said, having suddenly appeared between me and Joe, his paw and claw grabbing either side of Joe's flanks.

"Um, thank you?" Joe said uncomfortably.

"Kindly release his flanks before I buck you into next week." I threatened.

Discord turned to me gleefully. "Well! This is an unexpected twist. I do believe someprince has developed, dare I say it? FEELINGS!"

I pressed my mouth into a thin line and narrowed my eyes. "I've always had feelings, you foal's fever-dream made real."

"Oh, true enough! Allow me to clarify then. You have feelings, positive ones no less, for another pony!" Discord said, clapping his paw and claw together excitedly. "A baker and a prince! Now that's an uncommon pair. Someponies would even say unlikely! It’s almost as if a writer came up with the idea as a joke based on a popular sandwich."

"You make about as much sense as you ever do, Discord." I said, rolling my eyes. "What do you want?"

"As it just so happens, your little crème puff already knows what I want, don't you Joe?" Discord said mischievously.

Joe's face went blank. "Discord, we just got through with a big order, you couldn't possibly..."

"Ah, ah-ah! I'm a loyal customer. Why, I've never even set paw in a Stallbucks or Buckin' Bearclaws since I began patronizing your chain of fine donut delicatessens. Is this any way to treat a long-time customer?" Discord asked as his eyes grew wide and puppy-like.

Joe caved. "Okay, put away the puppy dog eyes. I swear, you're worse than Blue is."

"Don't compare me to this gaudy garrulous greedy-guts." I said, then touched my lips. That wasn't the insult I'd intended at all. "Discord's a disastrous, dangerous and dastardly demon." My gaze locked onto Discord's yellow and red eyes.

"What worrying wizardry wriggles through my much-maladied mind? Some spell, substantial and subversive, for sure!" I stomped a hoof in irritation.

Discord popped up at my side, dressed as a doctor with a thermometer suddenly jammed into my mouth. The red line sprang forward and burst out the end of the temperature taker with explosive force. Discord extracted the smoking remains and inspected it closely. "Alliteritis, I'm afraid."

"All an agregious act against an aristocrat!" I fumed.

Discord walked away, shaking his head. "I do believe it's getting worse."

Joe poked my side. "Just apologize and let's get to giving the guy what he wants."

"Verify this vociferous villainy? No, nay, never! Understand the unethical, unscrupulous, unprincipled undertakings of this undoubtedly underhoofed, ugly underminer." Joe only raised his eyebrows.

"You're starting to turn the writer into a liar, you know. This much alliteration in a story can only go so far as a joke." Discord said idly, floating on a fluffy plaid cloud and sipping a glass. As in, literally drinking the glass away from underneath the drink it held while said drink remained in place.

Joe gestured encouragingly.

I sighed, defeated. "All apologies, alright? I'll be nice until and unless you do something to warrant it. Fair enough?" I asked, extending a hoof. With relief, I realized I could speak in normal sentences again.

In a flash, Discord was in front of me dressed in a black and purple gown with a crow perched on his shoulder. "I believe you'll find that I'm the fairest in the land. Just ask any magic mirror." He said, taking my hoof in his claw. Instead of shaking the hoof, the rest of me began vibrating erratically.

Back to 'normal' Discord turned to face Joe. "Even with your unicorn magic, I do understand the time, effort and artistry that goes into making my order extra special. You have two hours before I return. Make wise use of your time, don't let anyprince distract you now."

With a wink, he disappeared into thin air.

I looked over at Joe intently. He rolled his eyes and let out a short sigh.

"Well, I should explain by saying I didn't know who placed the order the first time I made it. The order just appeared, with more than enough bits to cover it. Don't ask me where he got the bits." Joe began.

"Essentially, it's three large donuts, about the size of a regular cake. The special instructions I got with it were to use flavors I've never used before. When I first filled the order I used mint, cheese and asparagus." I must have looked horrified, because Joe shrugged. "It's more about playing around with odd flavors. Discord can eat just about anything, as far as I can tell. Of course, he still has a sense of taste and some of the flavors I've made for him have found their way to the case out front."

I tried not to think about asparagus. "So, what are you thinking of doing this time? I assume he'd be rather put out if you did the same thing again."

"I've never tried putting the same thing in front of him twice. I'd rather not." Joe explained as he levitated three large donut molds and set them on the table. "I think we'll have just enough basic ingredients, if I pull out some of that yeast dough as well."

I set my hooves on the counter, drumming them idly. "That's the easy part. What have you got as far as flavor ideas?"

Joe turned his head towards me and listed off his previous forays into chaotic donuts. "Well, this is the fifth time he's made this order, so mint, cheese, asparagus, sea-salt and peppercorns, saltwater taffy, candied yams, grape juice, algae, seaweed, tea leaf, beet, and onion."

I had to keep a hoof on my mouth before my lunch could reverse direction on me. Taking a few deep breaths, I decided to clue him in on my opinion. "Ew."

"I'd say about a third of them became popular enough to keep making. I'll let you guess which ones." Joe teased.

"I could just go out and look at your selection at the counter." I said.

"Where's the fun in that?" He asked.

I sighed. "Are you going to get down to business here or what? I'm sure we've wasted enough time already."

"Oh, I've already got my ideas, I just had to groan a bit about it. Makes for good baking if you complain. That's a big part of why I love your cinnamon rolls so much." Joe snuck a kiss to my neck before I could act on a sudden urge to punch him. "I need you to go get taro root, rock candy, and poison joke."

"What?" I asked, incredulous. "You've got to be kidding."

"Hm? No, I was talking to Sue." Joe explained. I turned around to see Sue standing behind me.

"Another Discord order?" Sue asked drily.

"Eeyup." Joe and I said simultaneously.

Sue looked at both of us before sighing. "You two need to spend less time together. Okay, I'm headed out. Shop's been pretty dead for the last hour or so anyway."

We got to work. The ovens were shut off after our last batch, so Joe restarted them. Meanwhile, I started laying out ingredients and utensils so that they'd be close at hoof. As soon as Sue got back, we'd get right to mixing and baking Discord's order. Until then, there wasn't much to do.

Well, there wasn't much to do work-wise. I sidled up alongside Joe as he checked things over. Nuzzling up against his neck, I planted a kiss on his jaw. "What do we do now, boss?"

"Come on, let's go out front and wait for Sue. I can show you a few things about our customer's expectations." Joe said cheerily.

I gazed upwards, put out by Joe completely missing what I thought were obvious signals. He was out front before I could pull him back and make him notice me. Head held high, I sauntered nonchalantly out to the counter. "So, what did you want to show me?"

With his magic Joe wheeled a mop and bucket over to me. "I think I've seen one of these before." I observed.

Joe laughed. "Yeah, I'd hope so. Ever used one?"

I shook my head. "Prince, remember? And the orphanage had a cleaning service. And I was too young to clean for my parents."

"Well, now's as good a time as any to pick up this important skill. Customer's expectation number one is a clean place. And we start from the floor up." Joe said with a smile.

"I take it you're expecting me to mop the floor?" I asked, disappointed with how our free time was turning out.

"Don't tell me you're too good to put in some clean, honest work." Joe said reproachfully.

Sighing, I gave up. I pulled the mop and bucket behind me as I walked around the counter. On the way, I flicked my tail at Joe. "I'll show you who's too good. Too good at mopping floors!"

"That's the spirit!" Joe said, poor, oblivious, over-worked stallion that he was.

When Sue came back, I'd just finished with the floor. Having splashed myself one time too many, I was glad to be a unicorn but magically exhausted. Sue hurried to the back to give Joe his special ingredients and that's when I noticed it. She'd tracked in a good deal of mud. Frustrated, I heaved myself back to my hooves with a moan and ignited my horn.

I felt a claw wrap around my horn and I opened my mouth to shout in surprise. A paw cut me off before I could do it. Discord had me in his grasp, I realized with a shiver of fear. "Shh, sorry to surprise you but I had to stop you before you wasted any more effort on cleaning."

With an indignant noise, muffled slightly by the chaotic creature's paw, I tried pulling away. Holding fast to my horn, Discord laughed. "Now, hear me out, my little pony. I'll let you go if you promise not to alert anypony here to my presence. Agreed?" Reluctantly, I nodded. There wasn't much I wouldn't agree to if it meant Discord letting go of my horn. Keeping his end of the bargain, he released me and I stepped back, feeling my horn to make sure it was still there.

With a snap of his claws, the mud on the floor disappeared. "There, just to show you a sign of good faith. I hoped to talk to you about a little rumor going around the castle."

"Since when have you ever been involved with castle rumors? I thought idle gossip was beneath you." I said, satisfied that my horn was okay. I'd have to check a mirror to see if it was the proper color or not, but that could wait for now.

"Oh, usually you're quite right. There are so many things beneath me, you know." Discord said as he hovered in midair. He lounged on his side as if on an invisible couch while miniature ponies pranced in a circle below him. One of them bore a rather striking resemblance to Hoity Toity.

"So what's so special about this rumor?" I asked.

"Ah, it's not a 'what' but a 'who.' As in, who's seeing who." Discord said, his 'who's' coming out like an owl's call.

As the significance of his words hit me, my heart skipped a beat. Sure nopony could've found out about me and...

"A little birdie told me that there are two stallions who seem to be very much in love with each other. That birdie was quite surprised. I find it a little hard to believe, especially given your talent for insulting mares."

"Yes, and you insult reason and good sense. What has that got to do with anything?" I asked hotly.

Discord tsked. "Now, now, keep your words soft and sweet. There's no reason for either of us to lose our tempers. Besides, I'm doing you quite the favor here."

"I fail to see..." Suddenly I was blind.

"Yes, I'm sure you do." Discord said. "So let me shine some light on you."

With a snap, my vision was back and Discord literally held a light to my face, the rest of the room shrouded in shadows. "You are dating Pony Joe."

P.B. and ... Rumors

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"I don't know what you're talking about. Teasing me earlier is one thing, but to suggest that I..." The words died in my throat. I just couldn't find it in me to say that Joe and I weren't dating, even in front of Discord. That was strange, lying was second-nature.

"I'm actually not here to give you a hard time about it." I was almost touched by the sentiment, but then he kept talking. "There are plenty of other ponies who would make your life hard if they knew this for a fact."

Inhaling through my nostrils, I looked Discord in the eye. "Who else knows?"

Discord cleaned his claws idly. "Besides you and me, nopony knows, but there are those who suspect. I've heard about longing stares across the Night Court and how close you two walk together. Not to mention that you aren't making a mess out of the situation. Did you know there was actually a betting pool to see how long you'd last as a baker? And another one to see how long it would take before Luna banished you? You've outlasted even the most optimistic predictions, by the way."

I turned away. "I suppose you want some form of bribe to keep you quiet?"

Discord clapped his claws together. "Oh! Are we intent on not telling anypony? Now that is an interesting development."

I glanced at him and turned away again. "I just don't know how ponies will react. If it could hurt him or his business to be associated with me..."

Discord sighed. "This may shock you, but I want to help you."

I just barely managed to not snort in his face. "Whatever you're selling, I'm not buying it."

Discord rolled his eyes. "Well, if we're being obnoxiously honest, I'm doing it to see how Celestia will react when it inevitably comes out. And believe me, in a city like Canterlot, a secret always comes out."

The lights went back up, and Discord was gone. In his place stood a very confused-looking Joe. "Where did Discord go? We finished his order."

The being in question strolled out of the kitchen. Dabbing his mouth with a napkin, Discord looked at us and belched. A stream of blue smoke issued forth, twisting into animal shapes that danced around until they dissipated. "Poison joke is definitely one of my favorite flavors. Wouldn't use it on ponies, though. You might also want to get help that understands safe and proper handling of dangerous ingredients."

Joe went rigid beside me. "What happened to Sue?"

In response, Discord merely laughed and waved goodbye. Before either of us could press him to answer, Discord vanished in a puff of blue smoke.

We looked at each other before rushing to the back. Sue faced away from us. "Sue, are you okay?"

The mare sighed. "Discord distracted me while I explained the donut cakes we made. I tried not telling him what the last one was, which made him curious. He knocked over the bowl with the leftover concentrated poison joke in it and I grabbed at it foolishly." She sighed again. "Whatever you do, don't laugh."

She turned around. And on her face was the biggest, shaggiest mustache and beard I'd seen since a painting of Starswirl in the castle library.

***

"I can't believe she cashed in her vacation days just to sit at home and stroke her beard." I said, dabbing myself with a kerchief to combat the perspiration.

Joe stared at me. "You wouldn't stop laughing at her."

"I said sorry." I said with a shrug.

Shaking his head, Joe responded. "Yeah, and you were still laughing while trying to apologize."

"I'll make it up to her. Does she like cinnamon rolls?" I asked.

Slamming the oven door, Joe set the tray of donuts down with a clatter. "Are we going to talk about what Discord said to you?"

I cringed, flattening my ears against my head. "You're mad."

"I guess you could say that." Joe said, balling up his apron and tossing it carelessly onto the counter. "Do you think I wasn't aware of what could happen? From the start I volunteered myself, you know."

"I know." I said, looking down at the floor.

Joe continued. "Besides, I think you're slightly overestimating the negative reaction. Not everypony wants to see you fail."

I looked back up, glaring intently. "I fail anyway, Joe. It's what I've done with everything so far. Why should this be any different?"

Taking a step closer, Joe's expression softened. "Unlike those other times, this time you have me." Joe said, pointing at himself with a hoof.

I replied blandly. "My cup runneth over."

Oblivious, likely by design, Joe threw a hoof around my shoulders and hugged me sidelong. "That's the spirit."

"I'm not ready to have anypony at either court know...about us. I'm sorry, Joe I--" He squeezed me close.

"Well, I'm not going to pretend I understand." Joe said with a sigh. "I don't see why we should hide this."

"Just for now, okay?" I pleaded.

He kissed my forehead. "If it makes you feel better. So, I should cool it around you in public for a while, eh?" To punctuate his statement, he trailed a series of kisses along my neck and jaw.

"They do say that a bit of restraint in public makes the private moments more...special." I said, recalling one of my etiquette lessons.

He moved away swiftly, leaving me a little off-balance and feeling a bit bereft. As I recovered, Joe finished up around the kitchen. "Then let's get a cab and have some special private time."

I couldn't help but smile. "That sounds good. Really good."

Spending the night over at Joe's was increasingly comforting. With the help of his gardener, Joe grew much of his own produce. His linens had the benefit of getting washed in fresh lavender and throughout the house the smell of cinnamon dominated.

For a change, I woke up before Joe, still wrapped in his hooves. Smiling contently, I watched the rise and fall of his barrel. No doubt, I could've stayed like that for hours. Unfortunately, the universe had other plans.

Celestia's phoenix, Philomena, soared through the open window and landed on Joe's bedroom desk with all the subtlety of a fireball. Releasing a letter in her claw, the bird looked at me and mantled, unleashing a piercing cry. As I flinched, Philomena hopped back to the window-sill and disappeared as quickly as she'd arrived.

"Wuhwuzzat?" Joe slurred sleepily, belatedly lifting his head to cast an owlish look around for the source of the trouble.

Sighing, I disentangled myself and crossed to look at the letter. "It was just my aunt's ornery old bird. She brought me a letter...from Luna? Huh, Luna must've sweet-talked Celestia into loaning her Philomena's services. That firebird has a nasty habit of burning things before she delivers them."

Yawning, Joe stretched lazily. Patting the bed next to him, he gave me a look. "You coming back to bed or am I going to have to get you myself?"

I snorted, opening the letter. "Hold your horses. Just let me see what Luna wa--" I trailed off as I recognized the formatting. Glancing over it, I realized it wasn't for me.

Snorting, I brought the letter over to Joe. "My silly Aunt Luna is formally inviting you to dinner tonight. It'll be just us, so wear something nice, but comfortable."

Joe looked over the letter and smiled. "I'll try not to embarrass you."

I stuck my nose in the air. "See that you don't" The haughty effect was somewhat ruined by my lips curling upwards at the edges.

"Oh? And if I were to show up covered in powdered sugar wearing nothing but a gaudy polka-dot bowtie, what would you do?" Joe teased, nipping at my neck with his lips.

"You are entirely too horny." I observed, trying to play it off like his lips had no effect. It wasn't working well, he seemed to remember exactly which spots on my neck were most sensitive.

"Can't help it, I'm a uni-" I shoved a pillow over his face to muffle the rest of that old worn-out joke.

"You're a filthy pony, Joe. I need to take a shower and wash out your corruption!" I said, sauntering towards his bathroom with a swish of my tail.

***
Dining with Princess Luna was different than sharing a table with Celestia and other members of her House. For one, Luna had no ladies in waiting. Her seneschal, Moondancer, reminded me rather all too much of Celestia's pet bookworm, Twilight. At least Moondancer made up for her looks by mostly keeping her focus on maintaining Luna's schedule.

The four of us sat at in Luna's private dining room, complete with House of Night antique table settings. Princess Luna's maitre'd, Silver Service, began with Moondancer, seated to Luna's right hoof, then Joe, me and finally the princess. The silver-haired professional servant navigated the service admirably, especially considering his earth pony status. This type of service usually required a unicorn's steady magic as the server plated each dish on the plate from the left side of each diner. I recognized the tradition from the etiquette lessons drilled into me by Civil List. With how much of his life he'd spent in restaurants, I wondered if Joe had ever seen a formal service like this.

Turning to see how he took the unexpected courtesy, I was greeted with his lovably goofy smile. As the Princess began on her own food, we all followed suit. The glow of our magic bounced off of the multitude of gleaming silver surfaces, brightening the dark colored room with a curious effect.

"I'll not beat around the bush, nephew. My sister might be fond of using subtleties to entice ponies to cooperate, but I don't have the patience. You are in a relationship." It wasn't really a question, but she paused for my response anyway.

"Yes, Your Royal Highness." I confirmed.

She huffed. "Well, in my day, a noblepony informed their Head of House when they became romantically involved. I waited, nephew." Luna narrowed her eyes accusingly.

"Eagerly." Moondancer put in blithely. "It was like her favorite treat was in another pony's hooves and they wouldn't let her have any. She moped around after Night Court for a week because you hadn't told her."

Gasping, Luna's magic held Moondancer's mouth closed. Even though she was silenced, Moondancer looked quite pleased with herself. "What my dear seneschal means is that I was worried for my nephew and his suitor. I can't very well help you if you don't bring up the subject, you know."

"Maybe I don't need your help." I said without thinking. Wincing, I looked at Luna to see if she'd taken that harshly.

Instead, she blinked and moved on. "So you're okay with this becoming public knowledge?"

I closed my eyes and put a hoof to my forehead. "No."

"How intent are you on keeping this a secret? I assure you, rumors already abound about your relationship." Luna observed, taking a bite of zucchini noodles.

"Joe's going to give me a bit more space in public. And we're definitely keeping public displays of affection off the table." I said.

Luna turned to Joe. "And you are okay with my nephew's...desire to keep your relationship private?"

Joe shrugged. "I won't pretend I understand it, but it's important to Blue."

Luna's expression became unreadable for a moment and she drew a breath to say something. Ultimately, she just let out a sigh and chuckled half-heartedly. "Let's talk about why I called you here."

"Us being in a relationship isn't why you called him here?" I asked.

Luna shook her head. "No, I just like teasing you two. Whatever you decide to do is fine as long as you're truly happy, Blueblood. I called you here because I will be hosting a moonlit garden party!"

I glanced at Moondancer. Aunt Luna didn't usually host events. Usually, she avoided them; the Grand Galloping Gala was a prime example of her attitude towards high societal functions. Moondancer looked up from inspecting her hoof and shrugged at me. Maybe this wasn't her idea?

"Are you sure? I thought you didn't really like those kinds of things." Part of me was also quite concerned about her guest list.

Luna waved a hoof dismissively. "I'll have you to help me navigate the responsibilities of hosting an event. Celestia mentioned how often you'd held your own parties."

Laughing nervously, I looked to Joe and back to Luna. Apparently, Celestia hadn't mentioned exactly how...hedonistic those parties were. "Well, every host has their own style. I'd be...happy to help you find your own."

Luna clapped her hooves together. "Huzzah! This should prove to be quite the experience."

My sense of impending doom agreed with the sentiment, but not in the way Luna would want. "Moondancer, have you started putting together a guest list?" I held out some hope that somepony had enough sense to make this one a small event.

Moondancer colored, clearing her throat before she spoke. "Her Royal Highness already sent out invitations."

My slim hopes crashed to the ground like a narcoleptic pegasus. "Oh? And how many ponies did she invite?"

Luna snorted. "'She' is right here, and the guest list was a respectable one hundred ponies. Of course, I'm sure not everypony will be able to make it, although I intend to plan is if they will. Also, I've invited the other princesses. Cadence and Twilight have already RSVP'd. I'm sure my sister will attend as well."

I managed to pull my lips up into a shaky smile. "That sounds lovely."

"Moondancer has your invitations. We decided to give them to you personally, since we'll need help from both of you."

Joe's ears perked. "Oh? You'd like a bit of Donut Joe's catering?"

Luna nodded, smiling. "A little chaotic birdie told us of something called 'donut cakes.' I believe you have been holding out on me, Mr. Joe."

P.B. and ... Parties

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As Luna and Joe went over possible donut cakes, I motioned to get Moondancer's attention. The unicorn mare finally caught on and I did my best to convey that we needed to talk. After a few attempts, she finally got the message and nodded.

"Thank you for dinner Aunt Luna." I said.

"You're welcome, Blueblood. Oh, and do me a favor and escort Moondancer back to her suite. I know you wanted to speak with her anyway." Busted. I kept my composure and nodded before gesturing to the door for Moondancer.

Surprisingly, she seemed quite amicable. Given her attitude against other ponies once rivaled even Celestia's book-fort-building perfect princess, it took me a moment to process. "How long have you been my aunt's advisor?" I knew the answer.

She knew I knew, of course, but she played along. "Only just a few months, Your Highness."

"And in that time has my aunt ever struck you as the type of pony to hold a garden party?" I asked critically.

Moondancer remained unfazed. "Don't tell her I spoiled the surprise for you, but she's quite keen on exhibiting a flower that only blooms during the blue moon."

"Blue moon? I thought that was just an expression." I remarked.

She shook her head. "The blue moon is when there's the second full moon in the same month. For some reason, this particular flower responds to the extra dosage of moonlight by opening up. Kind of funny when you think of it. The flower's opening up, Luna's opening up."

Her sense of humor failed to tickle my funny-bone. "We're talking about a mare who avoids social gatherings whenever possible. When was the last time she made a real appearance at the Grand Galloping Gala?" I protested.

She adjusted her glasses and sighed. "The type of party is what's important. She doesn't like the kind of ponies that Celestia has around her."

"Well, at least in that regard our feelings are the same. Luna doesn't normally have very many ponies around her."

"She'll have plenty of help." Moondancer said.

I flicked my tail in irritation. "I don't know about you, but I'm not exactly great at putting together the kind of party that would make Princess Luna feel comfortable. Is this some pressure from her sister?"

"It was Luna's idea. We have the Royal Planner taking care of all the details. Lemon Hearts is an old friend. And a new one. Anyway, she'll know the ins and outs of putting an event like this together. I'll make sure that the princess has some time to meet with all three of us so that we can go over the finer details. Oh, and we'll have the other three princesses there as well."

"Oh joy." I snarked before I could stop myself.

She glanced at me with some scrutiny. "Princess Twilight is a friend, if I might remind Your Highness."

"Forgive me if I don't applaud your choice of friends." I huffed.

Moondancer got ahead and turned to stop me. "Twilight's not like she used to be. She went out of her way to be a better friend to me. What do you have against her?"

I wasn't prepared for this line of questioning. I walked around her and picked up my pace, leaving my aunt's schedule-maker to scramble after me. "Let's just say I'm not as wowed by Celestia's students as everypony else is. I remember Sunset Shimmer."

She scrunched her nose. "From what I understand, Sunset changed her ways too. I know it's not easy, especially if you were hurt..."

"Nothing she could do would hurt me." I said shortly.

"Then what is your deal? Are you jealous of her position? That she's become an alicorn and passed right over any connection you might have had to the throne?"

"Don't be petty. Who wants to rule Equestria? That's entirely too much work. Which also describes this party, by the way. I'm sure I'll have to make up for the short-sightedness of this event."

She made an offended gasp. "You're no the only pony who knows how the two Courts work, Princeling."

I waved a hoof dismissively and came to a halt outside her door. "Good night, Ms. Moondancer."

She stood there, staring at me. "Would you like me to open your door?" I offered.

She shook her head, apparently not ready to say whatever had just crossed her mind. Her indignation slowly melted and something else replaced it. One could almost see the gears turning in her head and it made me quite uncomfortable. Finally, she spoke. "You're not like you used to be either, Blueblood. The prince I heard about wouldn't extend such a courtesy to a lowly commoner."

Uh-oh. Somepony was reading entirely too much into the situation. "You're my Head of House's seneschal, not some primped up tart chasing after me for my title and my fame. Besides, you're not my type."

She snorted. "Take it easy there, Cassaneighva. I'm just pointing out that you've grown a soft spot on your prickly hide. Although, I have a few guesses about your type, if I may be so bold."

I tensed. "Oh? And where would you get any idea as to my type?"

"I don't have the time or the energy to keep up with the tangled web of lovers you seem to enjoy leaving in your wake. All I will say is if the rumors are true, I wish you the best."

"Thank you, Ms. Moondancer." I said mechanically. Her words cut me deep, but I wasn't about to let her see that. "But I'm sure I have no idea what you're talking about."

"So you say. Good night, Your Highness." She said smoothly, walking past me and into her suite.

When I returned to the dining room, Luna sat alone at the head of the table.

"Before you ask, I sent him home. You and I need to talk about your plans." She began.

I took a seat. "I'm not planning anything, Your Royal Highness."

She looked at me sternly. "Oh, I know that quite well, nephew. You have a rather sweet somepony who's very confused at your choices."

"He told you?" I asked, ears slowly falling.

She shook her head. "He didn't have to. I could guess. Have you given any thought to the idea that in trying to hide this new flame, you may just extinguish it?"

"Aunt Luna, I just need some time to steel myself against the tabloid circus that's sure to follow. Joe's never had to deal with the media like this before."

She raised a brow. "I think he may be more prepared than you give him credit."

"Please, Your Royal Highness. Let me handle this as best I can."

She nodded. "Just remember my original advice to you; don't take his feelings for granted. Are you sure you wouldn't like to speak to Cadence. It could be by letter."

My muzzle twisted in irritation. "No thank you, Your Royal Highness." I said, my tone not as guarded as I would've liked.

"Cadence and Twilight were not the ones who wronged you." She remarked, to my frustration.

I let her have it. "You're just full of advice tonight, aren't you? Well, tell you what, I'll give you my own advice. This Moonlit Garden Party will be closely watched by those ponies who don't approve of our second ruler, whether or not they are there to see it. Any slip up is going to stoke their flames against you."

"I hope it is not as dire as all that." She motioned me closer, lifting a wing and offering me a place beside her. Reluctantly, I pulled my chair closer and allowed her to drape a wing over me. The contact was odd to me, but I did gain a sense of warmth that had nothing to do with the warmth radiating off of Luna.

"I must admit, I'm quite touched. Let me allay your fears, nephew. I'm a perfectly capable grown pony. And I can handle myself at a party. I learned a lot in Ponyville on the first Nightmare Night after my return."

I decided to focus on one part of that reassurance. "I wouldn't call them fears. Concerns, maybe."

She waved a hoof. "Whatever you call it, it shows that you've grown to care for me. 'Tis most pleasant to have earned such affection, my little prince."

I lowered my head, remembering how I'd treated her before. "I...won't deny that. You aren't anything like your sister, if I may be so bold."

"I'll allow it, but only when we're alone." Luna replied. I looked up to see her eyes brightening in a smile. "Although I wish that being like my sister was less of a negative to you. I'm still working on fixing things between you."

"I can't fix anything with her if she doesn't even know things are broken."

"It won't happen overnight. There's too much hurt for an easy solution. Although I may have an opportunity, if you're interested. Celestia is hosting a dinner with Trenderhoof, the traveling fashion writer."

"I've read all his articles!" I said excitedly, before I could catch myself.

She arched a brow. "Indeed? I suppose I should have guessed you had an interest in fashion, what with your notoriety."

"You mean infamy? And it's not just the fashion that interests me." My eyes widened as I realized how much I was saying. I was too close! My walls were crumbling under this onslaught and I was letting entirely too much of my inner thoughts loose.

"Oh?" Luna asked, pausing to take a breath and ask the question that would let her into my more private thoughts that I shared with hardly anypony.

I pushed away inelegantly, scrambling to my hooves. Luna retracted her wing, alarmed by the sudden movement. "Are you okay?"

"We're getting off-topic. I may be a bit...sweet on you, but personal feelings aside I'm very concerned about how this event will play out to improve your public image. You may have been very lucky in Ponyville, all things considered. That place is known for a surplus of friendliness and it's only more-so now that the Princess of Friendship lives there. Canterlot is a different place and the nobles of the city are even more removed from such quaintness. I fully expect to be subjected to a night of running about putting out fires, and I'll have you know I resent working above everything else."

She smiled infuriatingly. "If there is anything I can do to make your job easier, my prince, I'm sure you won't hesitate..."

I lifted my snout. "Too right! I'll need to see the guest list as soon as possible. I'll also need to be able to disinvite any of the more troublesome characters that wound up with an invitation."

She shrugged. "You may see the list. Any 'disinvitations' must have my approval, of course."

"Of course." I agreed. "Good night, aunt."

"Good night, sweet prince."

I scowled at her, only succeeding in eliciting a grin from my dear aunt.



***



"Would you go with me?" I asked Joe as he rushed around the kitchen to fill a big order. I'd offered to help, but apparently it was a very important client and he wanted to personally make sure it was perfect.

Joe paused and turned to me with a bag of frosting in one hoof. "Uh, I'm catering for Luna's moonlit garden party, if you hadn't heard. So, I'll definitely be there." He went back to work on the order.

I sighed. "No, let me back up. Would you go with me to this dinner Celestia's throwing for Trenderhoof? I could use the support and I'll need somepony to pull me away from the writer before I make a fool of myself."

Joe snorted. "Wouldn't taking me as your date kind of tip of everypony to us being...us? Like, as in 'a couple?'" He sounded a touch bitter, but it was hard to tell with him facing away from me.

I buried my head in my hooves. "Ugh! I forgot about that. Can't I have my problems one at a time?"

"Sorry, sweet bun, life doesn't work that way." Joe said helpfully.

I turned a blank expression his way, belatedly remembering he couldn't see me. "Thanks for your encouragement."

"Isn't there any other pony who would go with you?" Joe asked.

It was my turn to snort. "I don't know if you've heard, but I'm not exactly known for ending relationships on a good note."

"Well, who haven't you dated or offended in Luna's court?" He asked as he placed a half dozen freshly-frosted donuts in a box. He picked up a can of pickled beets, one of his favorite treats, and looked around.

"Luna's court is tiny. It's mostly older married mares and widows. Well, and Fancy Pants, but he's married." I explained. Spotting the can-opener beside me, I casually hid it behind my back.

Joe turned around, surveying the counter-space. "Didn't she get a young new advisor recently?"

I pointed at myself with my free hoof. "Yeah, me. I'm not keen on going all by my lonesome."

"No, a mare. Moonprancer? Dunedancer?" He asked as he starting looking through drawers.

"Moondancer?" I practically shouted in surprise.

He popped his head up from around the island counter. "What? Why not?"

I thought it over for a moment. "Actually, that may be a good idea. You're sure you won't mind that I'm not taking you?"

Joe gently shoved me away from the drawers I'd been leaning on. "Until you feel comfortable with us being public, I guess it'll work. Just don't fall for her feminine charms."

"I assure you, the one with the most charm is me." I said, sneaking a kiss onto his snout before giving him the can-opener.

"And so humble, too."

P.B. and ... Propriety

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Royal Dinners could be grand, elegant affairs with nobles, notables and dignitaries of all sorts. The Royal Canterlot Houses dated back before the foundation of Equestria, after all. Royal cutlery, decorations, and traditions brought one's attention to the sheer weight of history that rested comfortably upon Their Royal Highness' shoulders. Even if the guest of honor was a common unicorn writer, the prestige of the event could hardly be ignored.

My companion of the evening, Moondancer, couldn't help but take it all in. "I don't care how many times I see it; it's all so gorgeous."

"I know." I replied, more out of the feeling that I should rather than any inclination to do so.

That might've encouraged her, because she continued. "Just think of all the famous ponies who've used these very utensils."

I made a face. "I'd just as soon not. Rationally, I know the castle staff takes care to make sure each piece is immaculate, but not everypony has great hygiene."

Moondancer rolled her eyes. "Sir, you said it yourself. Rationally. And I think it's a bit snobbish to bring up another pony's personal hygiene in such a manner."

"I apologize for the implication, Moondancer." I said mechanically. Apologies weren't difficult. Being sincere about them, on the other hoof...

"Let me enjoy tonight, if it pleases Your Highness." She sighed, turning to take in more of the scenery.

"Honestly, it all seems a bit gaudy to me. The Royal Houses put on a flashy show but, aside from the historical significance, there's not much to it. Do you think the early days of the Royal Houses were like this?"

"The Royal Houses as we know them today came from the unicorn houses from the time of the three tribes of Equestria. When Equestria was founded, the ruling structures of all three nations were melded together. The unicorn houses expanded to include the military structure of the pegasus civilization and the local governance took on more earth pony conventions. The resultant financial gain substantially increased the influence of the Royal Houses and the nation as a whole. We are at our most prominent when working in harmony." Looking around Moondancer, I caught sight of the pegasus stallion that had sidled up and horned in on our conversation.

"Sir Grand Prize, thank you for that truly gripping explanation." I said innocently. That I'd heard this particular lecture before likely escaped the broken cage that was the old stallion's memory.

He nodded at me blithely. "Your Highness, an unexpected pleasure to see you at one of Her Royal Highness Celestia's functions."

"He's a big admirer of--" I bumped into Moondancer, knocking her glasses off.

"Oh dear, let me get those for you, Moondancer." Picking the glasses up in my magic, I made a big production of cleaning them off for her. Losing interest, Sir Prize wandered off to bother somepony else.

"Let's keep my admiration of Trenderhoof to ourselves, shall we?"

"I can't believe we're here so late. The dinner is going to start soon and we barely made it through the reception line in time." Moondancer complained. "Aren't I here to keep you off of Trenderhoof? You barely said two words to him."

"You don't make idle conversation in the reception line. That's what the drawing room afterwards is for, assuming we're invited to that."

She tilted her head. "We could be invited to the dinner, but not the...what, after party?"

I shrugged. "I suppose one could call it that. Princess Celestia extends personal invitations to only some of the dinner guests. She does this out of consideration to her guest of honor and to those members of court who wouldn't want to linger around and chat."

"Moondancer!" An excited voice rang out from behind us. "I almost didn't recognize you. Your gown is amazing!"

Reluctantly, I turned around to face Princess Twilight Sparkle. Nodding my head respectfully, I greeted her. "Your Royal Highness, always a pleasure."

Twilight's enthusiasm waned at my presence. "Oh, uh, likewise, Your Highness. I mean, Blueblood. I mean Prince Blueblood!"

"Her Highness is welcome to use any of those names, given her precedence. Using all three is overachieving, though." I sneered. I couldn't help it, the bumbling, high society-inept egghead deserved quite a few things, but my Aunt Celestia's affection wasn't one of them.

"I didn't expect to see you two together. How long have you been an item?" Twilight asked obliviously.

Moondancer laughed. "We're not. His Highness invited me along so that I could get a real first-hoof experience with a royal event. You could call this research."

"I hope you're enjoying everything." Twilight said guardedly. "It would be a shame if anypony were to be playing with you." Her eyes bored into me at the end of her not-so-subtle inference.

"It would be a shame for the Princess of Friendship to think so poorly of a pony that she couldn't see them making real connections with other ponies." I observed. "Then again, given somepony's track record with mishandling problems, I suppose it could be argued that a certain pony very nearly puts the 'end' in 'friend.'"

"Your Highness--" Moondancer whispered harshly.

"I'm sorry, Moondancer, did you want to take a crack at this? Not to put words in your mouth, but you could say that Her Royal Highness puts the 'amity' in 'calamity.' You are more familiar with Princess Sparkle, after all." Twilight's look of resentment made the whole debacle worth it.

Pointing behind me, Moondancer broke my winning streak. "No, but I think you're quite familiar with the pony behind you."

One of these days, I'd remember to check around to see where Celestia was before I opened my big mouth. Turning around, I bowed. "Your Royal Highness, my sincerest apologies...oh it's you." My expression fell as my gaze came to rest on the pretty pink princess pony and proponent of perfect love, Cadence.

"Nice to see you too, Prince Blueblood." Cadence said primly.

I avoided rolling my eyes. "Sorry, I just thought you were somepony else."

"Like Aunt Celestia?" Cadence asked coyly.

"Like a useful pony." I corrected.

Cadence merely laughed. "We're not foals anymore, Blue. Why don't you put away the venom for one night and try to have some fun."

"Forgive me, Your Royal Highness. I'm not the royal gravekeeper, but I'll try to bury the hatchet deep in the depths of my resentment for you both."

Twilight glanced skyward, irritation plain as her mane. "Classic Blueblood."

"What do you know about me, Twilight?" I asked contemptuously.

She didn't back down. "Well I know that you went out of your way to be the most inconsiderate, unchivalrous prince in all of creation just to get under the skin of somepony who admired you."

I scoffed. "I'm just a pretty face, Princess Sparkle. I'm sure Lady Rarity hardly spares a thought for me. I doubt she actually wanted to get to know the real me anyway."

"Your loss. You counted her out before she ever got in." Twilight said, inches from me.

"Enough!" Cadence glared at me. "Blueblood, if you can't accept our friendship then at least have the courtesy to stay away."

My temper flared at her casual disregard. "This is where I belong! The palace was my home long before it was either of yours. The daughter of a tiny Noble House and the product of common, unremarkable unicorns has less claim."

Moondancer moved between me and the princesses. "Blueblood, we have to get ready to be seated now. Princess Celestia will be here soon and we don't want to cause a scene in front of her guest."

Looking back at the others, Moondancer bowed her head and ushered me away.

The Royal Dining Hall featured the head table proudly upon a dais. The three lower tables were arranged into a horseshoe with the open end facing the head table. After consulting the place settings, Moondancer picked out our names. Our seats were on the end of the horseshoe, to the left of where Celestia would face. When we'd taken place near our chairs, I looked over at her. "I'm sorry, Moondancer."

"For what? Fighting with my friend, denigrating her friends to her face or maybe you're sorry for referring to said friend as a 'product of common, unremarkable unicorns.'" Her tone could cut ice.

I looked at my hooves. "Yes. I'm sorry for all of that."

Even without looking, I could feel the weight of her gaze on me. "I don't understand you. Why would you even come to this event, let alone ask me to come with you? I'm as common-born as Twilight Sparkle. Why don't you hate me as much as her?"

"I don't hate them." I protested feebly.

Moondancer snorted. "Well, you certainly could have fooled me."

At the majordomo's call, I looked up. Princess Celestia entered the dining hall. Everypony bowed or curtseyed as she made her way to the head table.

By all technicality, I should have been placed there. Even as the non-hereditary prince of the smaller Royal Court, I belonged in the upper rungs of Canterlot society. Given my reputation and conflicts with three out of four princesses, though, it wasn't altogether surprising that I was placed at a lower table.

Princess Celestia scanned the room, acknowledging the respect paid to her. Her eyes fell on me and I nearly looked away. Instead, I steeled myself and held her gaze before nodding respectfully. Celestia's gaze lingered a moment longer, her face unreadable as ever, before she finally took her seat. At that cue, everypony present took their own seats. I held out Moondancer's chair, pushing it in gently without the use of magic, as was proper. I kicked Civil's voice out of my head and took my seat.

Halfway through the dinner, one of Celestia's hoof-maidens approached me and curtseyed. I drew my eyebrows together, confused, before I nodded respectfully. "I am commanded by Her Royal Highness to extend an invitation to Princess Celestia's drawing room at the end of dinner to you and your guest."

"My guest and I present our compliments and have the honor to obey Her Royal Highness' command." I replied, restraining my sigh of exasperation. That a spoken invitation would be worded like a written one was just on this side of hilarity nowadays. Then again, things had become lax with Celestia with two extra princesses around. Maybe this over-formality was to make up for the over-familiarity.

"Who do you think instructed her to extend an invitation so formally?" Moondancer asked.

I turned to her, surprised. "Have you not heard about Civil List? She instructed many ponies on the finer points of high society. Her name is second only to her teacher, DeBray."

"As in DeBray's Peerage?" I nodded, curious as to when she ever picked up a book on the Noble Houses of Canterlot.

She read my mind. "I looked through a few editions after you invited me. Oh! That reminds me. DeBray's didn't include the Blood family line until the 147th edition. You're in the most current ones, of course, but I thought maybe your branch came from one of the other houses."

"My line was thought to be lost long before DeBray began compiling his Peerage volumes."

"So, you were raised as a common, unremarkable unicorn?"

"My parents were doctors. They died during an epidemic when I was a foal."

"Oh sweet Celestia, I'm sorry Blueblood. I didn't know."

"My family is descended from Celestia's House. I might have been born in a common home in a common city, but I was destined for more."

"For this?" She asked, sweeping a hoof in front of her.

I looked up at the head table. "And more."

Moondancer looked at me curiously, then her face lit up in understanding. "You don't hate Twilight and Cadence."

I wasn't fond of her knowing tone, but I nodded. "I've said that."

"You're envious."

Pushing back, I threw down my napkin and stood. "I suppose I won't have the honor of obeying Celestia after all." I walked away, exiting the dining hall without a backwards glance.

"Your Highness, please slow down."

"I don't recall inviting you to chase me down."

"I'll apologize." She offered, panting slightly at the effort of following me.

I stopped and turned around. "Go ahead then."

"I'll apologize IF you tell me I'm wrong about--"

"You’re wrong."

"You don't envy Twilight and Cadence?"

"This doesn't sound like an apology."

"This doesn't sound like you're answering me honestly."

"Then let me be clear. There is no way, no chance, not even the slightest amount of doubt in my mind. I do not, have not and will never and am, in fact, incapable of being close to anything anypony might consider envious of those two overbearing, meddling, enfuriating mares!"

"Methinks our dear prince doth protest too much." Luna called from behind me.

"Well, if it isn’t Princess Shrinking Violet!" I said, rounding on her. "Tell me, princess, exactly how do you plan to run your own event when you rarely attend one your sister holds?"

Luna's smile remained in place. "By delegating my responsibilities, of course. Just like I delegated you to attend this dinner for me."

"Your managerial style leaves something to be desired."

"And your sassy, argumentative side is getting in your own way. Weren't you excited to meet Trenderhoof?"

"He sure was!" Moondancer piped up. "We even got invited to Celestia's drawing room after dinner."

"It sounds as if you're leaving another job half-done." Luna remarked.

I narrowed my eyes. "Fine. I'll go back. I'll bug the other princesses or Trenderhoof until I'm kicked out and we'll all have you to thank for this wonderful evening."

Luna nodded. "You're welcome."

Growling, I made as graceful a return as possible. Thankfully, dinner was over at that point and ponies adjourned to go home or to take their place in the drawing room.

P.B. and ... Apologies

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"I'm constantly surprised by how much you're willing to put yourself through to get to Trenderhoof. Couldn't you just extend your own royal invitation?" Moondancer asked as we waited for the drawing room doors to open.

I froze, the anger in me fizzling out with the sheer hysterical simplicity of her suggestion. "Why hadn't that occurred to me?" I asked nopony in particular. "Well, I guess it's a little late now."

Moondancer smothered a laugh. "You might want an assistant."

"I have more pressing concerns." I retorted.

"Oh, you mean like how you're going to get through another encounter with three of the princesses when you can barely tolerate one?" She asked, helpfully.

"Don't think I'm not still sore about that, but no. I'll just extend an apology and offer a truce."

"Oh, well that's good," Moondancer said approvingly. "It's not like Twilight and Cadence are the proper focus of your disdain anyway, Prince Envious."

Jealous. I thought to myself as Moondancer looked over my shoulder. I'm jealous that they took somepony's attention away from me.

"Head's up." Moondancer said, pointing behind me.

"Your Highness." It was Cadence again. Turning around, I saw Twilight standing next to her. Their expressions were schooled into neutrality. Idly, I wondered how much effort that took the Princess of Friendship. Twilight Sparkle wasn't known for her patience and grace.

I bowed my head. "Your Royal Highnesses, may I offer my sincere apologies to both of you for my words earlier tonight."

"We all know how well you took being demoted to just 'Your Highness' after Cadence's ascension." Twilight said.

Princess Cadence gave Twilight a look and piped up. "We're actually here to apologize to you."

I tilted my head. "Huh?"

Cadence explained. "We'll have to exist in the same room for tonight without sniping at each other. And, with your position at Aunt Luna's side, we'll be seeing more of you as she holds more events. And, I shouldn't have told you to stay away. It was just too easy to fall back into our old patterns."

"Well, that's awfully responsible of you." I said, shifting my weight to one side casually. Moondancer elbowed me, knocking my balance off. I recovered quickly, staying on my hooves. "I did mean my apology, though. We need to negotiate a truce between us. Fighting with the two of you is counter-productive, given the obvious favor you're shown." This earned me another elbow. I scowled at first, but Moondancer's meaningful expression made me give in. "Sorry."

We were interrupted by the doors opening. I looked back at the other royals. "A truce?"

Cadence and Twilight nodded. "Lead on, Your Highness." Cadence offered. Every other noble and notable took immediate notice of us and waited for us to move first.

I smiled, though I knew better than to accept her offer. "That would hardly be appropriate. Your Royal Highnesses honor me, but I insist."

"Walk with us." Twilight offered.

"As you command, Your Royal Highness." I answered. Twilight seemed irritated that I took her words as compulsory, but I smiled at her to clue her into my little joke. Taking it in good humor, she bumped shoulders with me as Moondancer fell in behind us.

"Well, this is a surprise." Celestia said, a smile growing at the corners of her mouth. "Trenderhoof, I'm sure they need no introduction but this is..."

"Princess Mi Amore Cadenza of the Crystal Empire and Princess Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship." Trenderhoof said excitedly. "Oh, and Prince Blueblood. It is an honor to meet you all."

Twilight gestured to Moondancer, but I made the introduction first. "Trenderhoof, this is Princess Luna's seneschal, Lady Moondancer."

He nodded politely. "A pleasure, my lady."

"And a great pleasure to see my fillies getting along with my nephew." Celestia remarked. "I suppose Princess Luna sent you to take her place? For a mare in charge of her own court, I wish I could turn down as many invitations as she does."

"Our Princess of the Night extends her thanks, but has nightly duties that require her attention." I replied briskly, none-too-gently pulling a nearby drink server over magically. The pegasus recovered quickly, serving Her Royal Highness and then the rest of us.

Moondancer gazed around at us as we held our glasses, and I thought for a moment that I'd have to stop her, but it was Trenderhoof who made the toast. "To the Princess of the Day."

Moondancer lifted her glass and responded. "To the Princess of the Day." Her voice was joined by the other attendees around us.

As royals, the two other princesses and I merely nodded and Celestia smiled graciously. "Thank you, my little ponies."

Trenderhoof broke from formality to take charge of the conversation. "You'll forgive me, but I'm curious about how trends have fared here with the highest of Canterlot society. Historically speaking, the traditionalists here are slow to accept new changes."

"I think you'll find that to be true of many places and ponies." Celestia said. "Although I'd agree that Canterlot is one place that seems not to change. There are many formalities that I wish I could do away with."

"Formality is just the way to show proper respect for the power and responsibility you wield, Your Royal Highness." I said, irked by her seeming complaint.

"Believe me, nephew, I understand the problems inherent with disrespect." She held my glance a moment too long before continuing. "On the whole, though, there are some aspects of high society that are just too specific and restraining to be very comfortable to my subjects."

"The Crystal Empire is much the same way, although their ability to adapt far outshines many places I've seen." Cadence explained. "For a civilization lost in time for a thousand years, the vast majority seem to soak up new information quickly. Again, tradition has been the hardest hurdle to leap."

Twilight nodded. "I could say that about Ponyville. The town accepts change but, when I became a princess, there were just a few growing pains along the way. Some ponies treat me a little too well."

"Oh how heavy the head that wears a crown." I remarked drily.

"We accepted these things when we took our place as rulers, but we are as fallible as anypony." Celestia reminded me. "Change is good for harmony. And certain aspects of that harmony can be changed to make the music all that much sweeter for everypony and not just those that wear a crown or sit on a gilded chair."

"Or next to one, I suppose." I said, thinking of my spot in Luna's Court. "Some ponies are just lucky to have a chair to sit on."

Celestia's smile faded to take on a more neutral expression. "I suppose that's right. I hope none of you think of this as complaining."

"I believe the country phrase would be belly-aching. Isn't that what your little apple-friend says, Twilight?" I asked disdainfully, earning a poke from Moondancer. I looked at her and she mouthed the word 'truce' back to me.

"I'm sure you didn't mean it that way, Princess Celestia." Twilight said comfortingly. "Just like nopony here would mean to make anypony feel bad. Isn't that right, Prince Blueblood?"

I nodded. "Of course. One must keep their words honeyed in case they ever have to eat them later."

"I'm not some foal that needs to be handled with fluffly clouds and pleasing words. So, if anypony had something to say to me, I'd hope they would just take the direct route and say it." Celestia said, her eyes locked on me.

The group fell into tense silence that even Trenderhoof noticed. "Oh! That reminds me of a joke about the Everfree Forest. Twilight, have you heard this one?"

Looking at Trenderhoof from the corner of her eye, Twilight responded in confusion. "What? A joke about the Everfree?"

"Yes! Pinkie was helping me put together some fresh new jokes for an article about entertainment and we came up with this together. I expected her to tell everypony, but maybe she's better at holding in a joke than I thought."

"Well, let's hear it." Cadence prompted, looking from Celestia to me and back.

"What's the quickest way to any problem in the Everfree Forest?" Trenderhoof asked.

"What?" Twilight responded.

"Take a direct ROOT!" He punctuated the joke by 'tripping' over an imaginary root and hit the floor. Hard.

Twilight and Cadence clapped politely. Celestia gave in and smiled. Helping Trenderhoof up, I slapped a hoof on his shoulder. "Nice dedication to the bit."

The evening wore on without animosity between Celestia and myself. Trenderhoof took a shine to me, to my delight. Moondancer practically wore a hole in my side to interject and save me from embarrassment. I pretty much counted myself in the clear. When the gathering broke up, Celestia found her way to me. "Prince Blueblood, you and I have something to discuss. Privately."

"As Your Royal Highness commands." I said, nodding. I stood nearby and explained the situation to Trenderhoof and Moondancer. Thankfully, Trenderhoof insisted on escorting Moondancer back to her room, and the were among the last to leave. Twilight and Cadence both approached me as they made to leave. We exchanged pleasantries and a hoof shake and then I was alone with her.

I waited for Celestia to speak. She gestured over to the armchairs near the fireplace. As we took our seats, Celestia fixed me in her gaze.

"When did things go wrong between us?" She asked softly. "It seemed like you were just a little foal yesterday."

I shrugged. "When Her Highness has lived for so long, I'm sure the lives of us regular ponies must seem fleeting."

She disagreed. "That's not what I meant. We spoke about changes earlier. Truth be told, I don't always respond well to changes myself. Especially when those changes are negative."

I didn't know what to say to that. Agreeing would be all too easy, but it was also likely to hurt her feelings.

"I watched you grow up. I promised that you would be taken care of and I left you in the hooves of one of the best mothers I knew. But somewhere along the way I made a mistake. Just like I did with Luna. Just like I did with Sunset. Just like I did with so many others."

I shifted, uncomfortable. "I wouldn't say it was any singular mistake, princess."

She nodded. "I suppose you'd be right. I just wish I knew where I'd started. Maybe then our relationship wouldn't be as...challenging."

I snorted. "I'm sorry to have been such a burden on you, Princess."

"Stop it!" She protested. "You were never a burden. You're not some inconvenience in my life, Blue."

My ire rose. "You had a funny way of showing me that as a foal."

She deflated. "You're right. I could try and say that I was under a lot of pressure. I had a kingdom to run. I had to find a student who could make the right connections and wield the elements to save my sister. I had to hear about everything you did wrong, every pony you hurt. I can make all sorts of excuses for myself, Blueblood. But I hurt you."

I looked down. "No you didn’t. I was messed up long before that."

"Don't say that!" She exclaimed.

Shrugging, I continued. "Why not? I was a little foal with no parents who got bullied so much that even a princess pitied me."

"It wasn't pity." She said.

"Than what was it? Because in the years that followed, I haven't seen anything but pity and the faintest inklings of something else. Revulsion? Regret? You tell me, Celestia! What did I do wrong?" I sucked in a breath and realized I'd been screaming. Somehow, I'd also leapt out of my chair.

"You remind me of my father." She said, so quietly I almost didn't hear.

"I...what?" I asked.

She looked away and then back at me. "You reminded me of my father. Not just your look, but your attitude. Even your little flashes of anger. You grew up and you started acting even more like he had. His disdain for the other pony races, his arrogance, his need to be the center of attention. When I earned my cutie mark and became an alicorn, he treated it like it was his biggest accomplishment."

I didn't know how to take that. "I'm not your father, Celestia."

"I know." She admitted.

"Did you..." I stopped myself. Rather than ask her about her father, I decided to ask a more prudent question. "Was there ever a time, even in its smallest measurement, when you loved me? Just for being me?"

Celestia's eyes shone, her cheeks were damp with tears. "That you even have to ask me is condemnation enough." She rose, stepping forward and reaching out for me. I took a step back involuntarily, and the look on her face fell. She stopped a forelimb's length away.

I decided to answer her 'where did I go wrong' question. "Our problems came to a head when I got my cutie mark. I don't even think you remember..."

"Just after you'd run your guards around town. Your birthday. A year or two after you came to live here." Her memory stunned me.

"But, I tried telling you--" She cut me off.

"And I had something that took my attention away. I told you to wait and tell me at dinner. When you didn't, I asked Civil. I nearly fired her that night, I was so angry." She said, shaking her head. "For what it's worth, and this many years later I don't think it's worth much. I'm sorry, Blueblood."

I walked away, shakily. She couldn't do this; forgiving her wasn't something I could do at this moment. Throwing a glance over my shoulder, I left her with a parting shot. "You're right. It's not worth much."

P. B. and ... Making Things Right Part One

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Corona Park was the largest park in Equestria. Its grounds began just outside the castle walls and extended beyond the moat a good distance to the beginning of Canterlot city. The park's width stretched from the edge of the plateau to the sheer mountain wall of Alicorn Spire. In its generous boundaries, a lake formed before narrowing to the moat and beyond to a waterfall at the edge of the plateau. The lake's surface barely reflected the pre-dawn light; the waters were still as dark glass.

The calm waters certainly didn’t reflect my mental state since leaving Celestia’s presence the night before. Picking up a rock in my hoof, I eyed the expanse of water before me and aimed the stone. As a breeze blew through my mane, I remembered my father's laugh. The pond near the home I'd shared with my parents came to my mind's eye. I'd picked up a rock much too large to skip, and dad simply laughed and waited for the inevitable splashing. After the rather spectacular failure, he's coached me through picking a proper skipping stone. Next came instructions on throwing. Following his advice, I skipped the stone across the Canterlot lake. The stone skipped merrily, disrupting the surface as it went.

The distraction didn't hold, my inner turbulence mirrored the lake's troubled surface. No matter what I tried, I couldn’t stop replaying the conversation with my aunt. Everything I said, everything I should have said, and above all else, her reaction when I failed to forgive her. Doubt plagued me. Guilt harassed me. I returned to the bench and rested my head in my hooves. My heavy eyes closed as I prayed for a break in the cycle.

Joe stood before me in the castle ballroom. He was dressed impeccably, holding one white-gloved hoof out to me. The music began as I took his hoof. He led me out, but I hardly noticed. I was too fixated on my own hoof which looked I incredibly filthy. Black grease coated not only my hoof, but spots of it covered my entire body. I tried pulling away, but Joe resisted. He pulled me closer, my filth staining his beautiful suit. Inwardly I reeled at the ruination of such finery, but my hooves stopped obeying me and instead gave themselves over to the dance.

I seemed as incapable of speech as I was powerless to stop dancing. Joe dipped me, and leaned in to kiss me. I turned my head to avoid it, but he found my lips anyway. Black marred his muzzle as he pulled away.

My gut wrenched as the scene dissolved before me. I reached out to the rapidly disappearing dream Joe, to no avail. When I stood alone, I hung my head and let the tears fall silently, shoulders shaking.

"You've been up much too long, Blueblood," Luna said, her voice as clear as the cool air.

Wiping my face, I glanced up at my aunt. The princess of the night seemed to solidify as she drew near. "I can assure you my sister is just as stubbornly refusing to sleep. Although, she does have to raise the sun soon."

I turned away, angry at myself for reasons to numerous to list. The last thing I wanted was to be reminded of my aunt's duties. "Why are you here, Luna?"

"I believe the common phrase is playing both sides?" She replied, tapping a hoof to her chin. "Not that I'd regard the emotions of two of my family members to be a game, mind you."

Barely resisting the urge to roll my eyes, I turned away fully. "Go consult with your sister. She's better at playing with ponies."

I blinked slowly and the scene before me returned to the lake in Corona Park. I thought Luna returned me to waking for a moment before I realized she stood holding a stone in her magic. The idea of a princess skipping stones on a lake amused me. "So, you know where I am?"

Luna glanced back and shrugged. "My guards are not as incompetent as you seem to think."

I snorted, but bit back my retort as she readied her swing. The stone glowed in the light of her magic and I decided to speak. "It feels better when you throw it with your hoof."

Luna looked back at me again, her eyebrow quirked. "Verily?"

I nodded numbly and picked up a better rock. Holding it out to Luna, I purposefully didn't look at her face. Hopefully, this came off more as nonchalance than offense. She released the rock she held in her magic and I felt her take the one I offered.

"Any advice on how to get the most skips?" Luna asked. I took a chance and looked at her, but her focus was on the surface of the lake.

With this all still being a dream, I figured Luna wouldn't mind a bit of contact. I adjusted her hoof and stance. She glanced at me at first, but returned her attention to the lake. "Tilt the front up a bit. Give it some spin when you toss it. It helps to stand sideways and do it. Wait," I paused, and poked the side of her ribs. Luna nearly dropped the rock as she laughed and squirmed away from my hoof.

"Nephew!" She chastised as she gave me her full attention.

I held up both hooves innocently. "You were standing too stiffly. You have to loosen up a bit to throw it just right."

Her amusement only grew. "And tickling your aunt is the best way to accomplish that?"

I shrugged. "It was my dad's trick. I guess it's the easiest way to get somepony to loosen up."

Shaking her head in disbelief, Luna kept smiling as she returned to throwing the rock. This time, she stood loosely. Letting it fly, we watched as it struck and bounced several times across the water's surface.

"I think that was eight times!" I remarked, impressed.

Luna pumped a hoof in victory. "Huzzah!"

I returned to the bench, throwing myself down carelessly. It actually hurt. Which meant... "This isn't a dream, is it?"

Luna turned back to me, her amusement undimmed. She shook her head.

She sat next to me. "I guess you're here to talk about my conversation with Celestia last night?” I said, looking away.

She threw her wing over me. “One more bad day is just par for the course. Don’t beat yourself up too much.”

"I should have..." I began, but she hushed me.

"If anything, I should have told you that I'd spoken to her about her relationship with you. She knows that she hasn't done right by you, but she doesn't know how to fix it. We're just like any other pony, Blueblood. We make mistakes."

"I've never seen you make a mistake like her." I protested.

She sighed. "Well, you weren't around over a thousand years ago. I...made a bad situation worse. She spent a millenia alone ruling over ponies, doing it all by herself all because I turned away from her. She's a strong pony, but her relationship with you is proof that she still doesn't know how to handle things with family when they go bad. She never really faced that with Cadence or Twilight, but they also weren't as closely related."

I pulled away. Standing again, I turned to face her. "I go from hating her, to feeling like I'm the one in the wrong. I love her, but I can't forgive her yet either. I don't have that problem with you."

"You don't know what I did." She said simply.

I shrugged. "You became Nightmare Moon and wouldn't lower the sun. I assume you also fought Celestia."

"I inflicted nightmares on ponies who disagreed with me." She said, her voice full of pain. I stood, rooted to the ground, my jaw slack. "Terrible nightmares. Made them face their worst fears. If they failed to pay respect to my night, I made them fear it. Celestia didn't want to believe I could do that. It took until the nightmares finally consumed me for her to see what I'd become."

I blinked. Closing my mouth, I realized just how much power Luna wielded. "Have you...ever given anypony a nightmare since?"

She shook her head. "Only myself. Twilight helped me see the error in doing so, before you start on me for it," she said as I drew breath to do just that. Instead, I exhaled. Stepping close, I wrapped my hooves around her and pulled her close.

"I guess we've both made some pretty big mistakes." The thought soured my mood, but I had to face it. "What kind of pony would I be if I expected forgiveness but couldn't give it in return?"

"A normal one," Luna remarked as I let her go. She stood and we walked towards the castle.

"Good thing I'm not normal." I said, bumping her playfully as we walked.



***



"You, me, this," Joe said simply as I walked in the door. He set a small booklet on the counter between us. It was gold and blue and it had lettering across the front in silver.

"'Canterlot.'" I read the title after turning it around to get a better look. "Don't know if you're aware, but we're already here."

"No," Joe said as he flipped the book open to one of the colored tabs. "We're here. In the Sol Market District."

The district lay out before us. "Oh. I think I saw something like this once."

Joe snorted. "You used to work for the castle cartographer. I'd hope that you would have seen this many times before."

I shrugged and inspected the layout of the district. "Never realized it, but this district has eight roads radiating out from the center. They're pretty wavy. No wonder I got lost so easily."

"I think they designed it after..." Joe began.

We said it together. "Celestia's cutie mark." He looked at me, but my eyes remained on the map.

Joe must have marked it when he put the colored tabs in. Pony Joe's Donuts was marked with a gold dot. There were several other places marked. "What's all this?"

Joe tapped them out as he spoke. "The Canterlot Courier Center. The Prench Quarter, home to some of the best restaurants in the city." I rolled my eyes at that. "And the best ice cream shop in Canterlot."

"What about here?" I asked, pointing at a pink dot.

Joe frowned and blew at it. "Sprinkle. I might have plotted these out with a donut nearby."

I laughed, Joe joined me. "Fair enough. What about the rest of these tabs?"

Flipping through the book, Joe named off a few places. "The Canterlot National Museum in Prominence district. The Canterlot Zoo in Basking. The mines in the Core District..."

"Why does this seem familiar?" I asked myself out loud.

Joe continued without answering my question. "The ice-rink in Nightfall."

"Stop." I ordered.

He looked up from the book.

The Zoo, the museum, the Prench Quarter, an ice cream shop, the mines, the best restaurants, the skating rink. Add in the fact that we stood in a bakery and... "The day I got my cutie mark."

Joe sighed. "I'd hoped you wouldn't notice." He set the map of the city down.

"I think it's a very sweet idea, Joe. But I don't think it'll spark any memories." I said, patting his forehoof.

"How about just one place?" Joe asked, turning his hoof over to hold mine.

I shrugged. "I don't see how one place could possibly..."

"Macha Method's home in Lower Cliffside." He blurted out.

I widened my eyes. "She's still alive?"

Joe let go of my hoof and ran his hoof in a circle on the counter. "I might have told her we were coming."

"Joe!" I shouted, before catching myself.

His eyes widened, and he lowered his head. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have tried to keep it a secret from you."

I shook my head. Even though I wasn't explaining myself well, I had to go see Macha. "Let's go. Now!"

His head tilted in confusion. "But..." I grabbed him in my magic, levitated him over the counter and set him down next to me.

"Now."

One of the eight spindly roads of Sol lead directly to Lower Cliffside, on the edge of Canterlot Plateau. The demographics skewed mostly pegasus, but with a few of the other races who appreciated the view. Lower Cliffside was one of the relatively newer districts known as The Rays. The Rays were added to Canterlot as the city expanded to cover the plateau. All of this I learned on the cab ride to Macha's home from Joe. To be fair, the Royal Cartographer likely had tried to teach me these things, but I wasn't a great student then.

As we exited the cab, I took in the view. This had to seem like staring down on the rest of the world. My own quarters in the Castle didn't have a view like this, although there were plenty of rooms overlooking the edge. Some even dangling precariously over it.

"How did you find her?" I asked as we exited the cab.

Floating some bits to the driver, Joe thanked him and turned to me. "I might have made a delivery here a few times. Not many, mind you, it took a long time to realize I'd heard her name before you'd mentioned it. And longer to remember where I'd heard it."

I tilted my head. "Really?"

Joe's eyes narrowed. He let out a little huff and shrugged. "I make a lot of deliveries." He said, defensively.

I tried not to smile, but failed. Joe noticed this and gave me a little push. "Just go knock on her door already, and bother her instead of me."

We walked up the stone walkway of a charming little cottage. The front yard garden looked well-tended. Joe motioned for me to knock. With a deep breath, I stepped up and lifted the knocker in my magic, rapping it against the door three times. I didn't know how this would go, or even if she'd remember me, but it helped that Joe was with me.

P.B. and ... Making Things Right Part Two

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In the seemingly infinite moment between my knock and a response, I felt like a foal again. It was an odd mix of energies; anticipation mixed with worry and regret for not having done this sooner. Would she remember me as fondly as I did her? What if she'd heard the rumors about me? What if she knew there was much more truth behind most of those rumors?

Was this even a good idea?

Macha Method opened the door and immediately the illusion in my head dispelled. She was older than I remembered, with silver streaking her red mane and tail. Her coat had always been gray. "Your Royal Highness." She said courteously, bowing her head.

"Actually, it's just Your Highness." I corrected. Blushing, I waved a hoof. "But, please, just call me Blueblood or Blue, Sgt. Method."

Smiling, she waved us inside. "Fine, but only if you call me Macha."

Macha led us into the kitchen and sat us at the table. The home was humble. I was horribly aware that a younger me would have scoffed at the low stools at the plain hardwood table. There was a charm to be found here that was entirely lost on that self-absorbed me. While I marveled at my own advances, Macha tidied up the already-tidied-up space. With a grin, I realized that maybe she was as excited as I was.

"I'm just finishing up some cookies. They're not likely to be much competition with what young mister baker can whip up, but I expect they'll be edible."

"Now, I'm sure..." As Joe made to object, we heard hoofsteps thundering down the stairs. Returning to the doorway, Macha yelled out. "How many times have I told you about how a proper lady walks down the stairs?"

"And as soon as I see a proper lady, I'll make sure to let her know--oh! Is this the guest that you had me up in the wee hours of the morning to prepare for?" I was floored. It was like looking back in time. The mare was Macha's younger duplicate. After a blink, I did notice a few differences. She was more slender than Macha. Her muscles stood out marginally less, opting for more lean and less bulk.

"Nine o'clock is not the wee hours of the morning by any stretch of the imagination, young lady! And yes, this here is His Highness, Prince Blueblood."

Bold as brass, the younger mare strode over and held out a forehoof. "Pleasure to meet you, Your Highness Prince Blueblood."

Reaching out, I took hold of her hoof, only to have my own shaken heartily. "Um, just Blueblood is fine." With a small effort, I pulled away from her hoof.

Unfazed, she looked over at Joe. "Well, here's a pony who needs no introduction. How are you today, Mr. Joe?"

"Fine, Emain, wasn't it?" Emain nodded. "Where's your brother?"

"Liath had to fly a chariot out to Ponyville." The name tickled my brain but I couldn't place it. "It's supposed to be his day off, but he took on one of Rhia's runs because she was overbooked."

"Do you pull chariots as well?" I asked.

Laughing, she shook her head. "Thankfully, not anymore. I pulled in a team just after school to save up the bits, but now I run my own Jewelry shop. Stop by sometime, I'm in Prominence, just a few streets from Core, so my prices are very reasonable."

"Enough!" Macha admonished playfully, flicking a towel at her daughter. "Don't you have work to do?"

Swishing her tail in retaliation, Email protested. "I do! I have some repairs to do for that couple who got hosed by a dealer in Saddle Arabia. I swear, half of my work is fixing other ponies' mistakes."

"Be glad you get any work, what with your teasing nature." Macha jibed.

"Ach! Yeah, and exactly where did I learn the best tricks? You might blame Aunt Maeve for all the troubles you two found as foals, but I know better!" Emain retorted before swishing her tail and walking to the front door.

"Your Aunt Maeve did get us into all sorts of trouble!" Macha protested. When her only response was the sound of the front door closing, she turned around and smiled. "Children grow up so fast. Speaking of which, last time I saw you, you weren't much bigger than a diamond puppy."

"I've...been fine." I settled.

She actually scowled at me. "Somepony has forgotten how I can spot a lie from a mile away." Smirking, she turned to the oven to take out a tray of cookies. Setting them on the sill to cool, she turned back to me. "It's been how many years, you've gone from Royal Highness to just Highness, you've left Celestia's house for Luna's and you expect me to believe 'I've been fine'?"

Shaking my head ruefully, I couldn't help but ask. "How did you know all that?"

"I'm still friends with some old fools who were too stubborn to retire. For all the silent, stoic types they may seem, old guards are not much better than a gaggle of hens when it comes to gossip." Macha said by way of explanation. "So, how are things really?"

"They've been worse, but they've also been better." I admitted. "I'm an advisor for Princess Luna and I seem to be doing well. I've started doing more charitable work lately, thanks to a certain somepony."

Macha looked at Joe meaningfully. "I can imagine. Is this somepony special to you?"

I looked at Joe, who shrugged. "Yes, ma'am."

Macha sighed, settling her bones into a chair at the table with us. "It's better than it was in my days, but some noble ponies still have odd ideas about love. I'm glad that you didn't pick any of that up, Blue. You were a very sweet colt."

"Thank you, Macha." I said, looking down to cover a sudden bout of emotion.

Macha looked at Joe. "Some things never change."

He placed a hoof around my shoulders and squeezed me close. "Some things change when you least expect them to." Joe replied.

"Isn't it funny, the way things work sometimes?" Macha said, laughing. "Yes, I've heard the news and the rumors about you, Blue. I had my fears, but when I heard you wanted to see me, I guess I felt flattered that you even remembered me."

I looked up at her, but then back down at the table. I scratched above one forehoof with the other. "Um. I have to admit, I have some...ulterior motives for getting back in touch with you. I need your help."

Macha sat in silence, looking at me oddly. The silence dragged as she took a few deep breaths. "Whatever it is, if it was important enough for you to dig me back up..." She looked at me angrily. "Then this is probably a problem you should have seen me a long time ago about and I should thrash you for taking so long!"

"Huh?" I said, surprising myself with my own expansive vocabulary.

"OF COURSE I'll help you, Blue!" She thundered. "Just name it, you wee bairn. I take it has to do something with something I did when I worked as a guard."

Blinking a few times, I opened and closed my mouth in what must have looked shockingly like an imitation of a fish out of water. Given my confusion, that analogy wasn't too far off of the way I felt. Luckily, Joe piped up. "Actually, yeah. It does. Do you remember the day when Blueblood got his cutie mark?"

"His second birthday after coming to the Canterlot." She recalled fondly. Seeing the look on my face, she smiled widely and patted my hoof. "It was one of the biggest moments in my career, to be trusted with Celestia's nephew in one of the few times they let you out of the castle. You were so excited and curious. And nervous. I'm sure Celestia..." A shadow crossed her face, and she looked at me, shocked. "You can't mean to tell me you still don't know what your cutie mark means!"

I nodded numbly. "Even after all this time. Civil thought she knew and Celestia went along with it, but I've never been sure. And my magnificent failures since then have all been to compensate for..." I felt her hooves wrap around me and suddenly I was locked in a very tight embrace.

"I'm so, so sorry, Blue. That's terrible!" She leaned back to look me in the face. "What can I do to help?"

***

The map of Canterlot unfurled on the table and a plate of cookies within easy hoof's reach, we looked over the sites Joe'd laid out. Thundering down the stairs every bit as loudly as her daughter, Macha returned with a small book and a fair coating of dust. "Hmm. Well, given that it's been a fair few years, I really do have to praise myself for still having this! It's my diary from back then. So, given that I already had to file a report about it, I should have been in good record-keeping mode. Let's see." She shook off the dust, Joe rescued the cookies from the impending dust-storm, and she sat, cracking open the diary.

Flipping a few pages in, she came to the proper date and smiled. "Sure enough! Um...well." She read down the entry and blushed. "I...might have put a few things in here that I never expected you to see."

I rolled my eyes. "I'm all grown up now, Macha. I've likely heard much worse."

Sighing, she passed the diary over and took up a pencil. "Well, first off, we went to the Canterlot National Museum. Blue was very insistent about it and we ended up getting there much too early. The museum's caretaker was quite taken with Blueblood and so she let us in. I guess it didn't hurt that he was royalty with royal guards. I guess the risk there was low enough to make an exception. She was even more impressed when you insisted on paying for admission."

I looked down again and smiled, remembering the pleasant surprise on the caretaker's face. "I used to like surprising ponies. In a good way."

"Don't worry, you made up for that at the next place." Macha said, her ears twitching in amusement. Looking at Joe, she explained. "Blueblood insisted on ice cream for breakfast."

My ears flattened as both ponies broke out in laughter. Spreading my hooves, I shrugged. "It was my first time away from Civil and Celestia. I just really, really wanted to do it once."

Macha patted my hoof comfortingly. "I was fine with it, once I realized that. It took some convincing to get my partner to go along with it, he was such a big brother type. But, I had more seniority and it was an order from our Prince, so we won out in the end. This ice cream place..." Here she pointed out a spot near the museum. "...is the one we went to."

"Then my partner insisted on getting a proper breakfast, but Blue and I conspired and we ended up at a bakery. Hmm, none of these bakeries were open back when we did this trip. It was here." She marked the place carefully. "But the owner passed away a few years back and it's now a sub sandwich shop."

"I think I know that sub shop owner." Joe remarked, picking up a cookie.

I laughed. "Of course you do. You know everypony." As he turned to give me a sour look, I bit the cookie right out of his hoof.

Joe shrugged and finished the rest of the cookie. "What can I say? I'm a pony person."

Macha laughed, the sound resonant in the cozy kitchen. "Well, all the sugar really came back to bite us in the rump. There was a festival in the Prench Quarter that seemed to pop out of nowhere. A certain foal who shall not be named was quite out of hoof at this point. We really were lucky we didn't lose you for more than an instant." Returning to the map, Macha pointed out a place in the Prench Quarter. "We went to this little cafe after somepony nearly slipped away from us." Joe marked the place. "I've never been chewed out so thoroughly by a junior before, but I couldn't just pull rank on him and tell him to stuff it when he had a point. You actually passed out after the sugar rush and we debated about whether or not we should just go back to the castle. By the time we put you over my back you were awake again and raring to go."

"You know, I've completely forgotten who was with us that day." I said, tapping my chin. Macha looked up slowly, her lips slowly tugging upwards into a grin. "What? Do you remember who it was?"

Macha coughed into a hoof, although it sounded suspiciously like smothering laughter. "Yes. Yes, I do, as a matter of fact." She 'coughed' again, although it covered even less laughter than the first time. Waving a hoof towards her eyes, Macha tried getting a hold of herself.

"What's so funny?" Joe asked.

"Well, I'm sorry. Maybe you'll find it at least as amusing as I do. He was just getting started as a royal guard at the time, but he was specifically selected because he had a younger sister about your age." Macha explained. "I should really drop him a letter, but I guess he's a busy pony now. He really was a pleasure to work with..."

I coughed meaningfully. "The name, Macha."

Her grin went wide again and she looked at me with the cheekiest of expressions. "Shining Armor."

Joe looked as thunderstruck as I felt. "Captain Shining Armor?"

Macha's laugh filled the kitchen. "Well, he wasn't Captain back then! But yeah, Shining Armor was with Blue and I that day. It was one of the early feathers in his cap."

"What, surviving a day with me?" I asked, crossly.

Her laughter rang out again. "No! Escorting the prince around for an entire day and impressing a seasoned veteran." She pointed at herself. "He even managed you pretty well when I had to take a trip to the filly's room. You both ended up at the train station a block away, but he managed you pretty well, I guess."

"What?" Joe and I asked.


Macha nodded. "Yeah, it was right after the ice rink. It was getting late and we were heading home. You said you wanted to see the station, but I really had to go. You begged Shining to take you, but he wanted to stay near me. I guess you must have convinced him because that's where I found you two."

"Why don't I remember this?" I asked myself out loud.

"You were very tired at the time. It really was a very long day. We were almost reprimanded by Civil for having you out late enough that you missed the lowering of the sun ceremony." Macha said, standing to tidy the table up. Joe and I stood to help, but she whirled a dish towel menacingly.

"You know, there are two strong unicorn stallions here who could take care of the little things while you rest your hooves, Miss Macha." Joe said calmly.

I snorted. "Oh, Joe. You haven't dealt with many Royal Guards, have you?"

"I'll tell you exactly what a good string unicorn stallions is good for!" Macha started, the corners of her mouth betraying the humor behind the threatening tone. "And feel free to pass this along to Captain Armor as well!"

The door opened and a voice rang out. "Ma, I'm home. Emain said you made cookies, so..." As he came into view, the tingle of recognition returned. He stood taller than anyone present. His puffed up gray chest only made him seem larger. His close-cut red mane glistened with sweat from the day's heat. His eyes narrowed at me and the tingle turned into foreboding.

With a start, I suddenly remembered why the name Liath sounded so familiar. The last time I saw him was from across a crowded restaurant. There was...a disagreement. He'd been escorted out.

I'd stolen his marefriend.

P. B. and Homewrecking

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The tension between Liath and I was thick enough to hold up a suspension bridge. I sat at his mother's kitchen table, on a stool he very well may have used. Joe and Macha looked confused; they could both sense something, it seemed, but neither had a clue what. I found it a bit curious that Macha didn't know, but then again, I didn't know Liath very well.

"Um. I think we should go." I said to Joe quietly.

Macha cocked her head. "Go? We still haven't solved the riddle of your cutie mark! I said I'd help after all. Not to mention it's been so long."

Liath walked to his mother's side. "Mom, maybe they have somewhere to be. We can't expect His Royal Highness to have all the time in the world."

"Just 'His Highness,' actually." I corrected, automatically.

Liath looked liked he swallowed something unpleasant. "My mistake, Your Highness."

I waved both hooves. "Actually, it's just Blueblood, please. Liath Method, I presume?" I asked politely.

He shook his head. "Liath Macha. Sireish naming tradition." I suddenly felt ten times worse for not knowing that. Maybe if I'd known, I wouldn't have stolen his marefriend. Then again, knowing the way I was back then, maybe I would have done it anyway.

I decided to try for peace. Slowly, I stood up and faced him. Unfortunately, I realized I was much shorter than him. I looked down. "Liath, for what it's worth..."

I never saw it coming. One minute, I'm on my hooves trying to apologize to a pony I'd wronged. Next, I'm on the floor with a throbbing pain on my face. "Believe me, whatever you have to say isn't going to be worth much!"

Joe was suddenly beside me. "Are you okay? What's going on? What in tartarus was that about?"

"I think that's an excellent question." Macha said, standing between us and Liath.

"He stole...!"

"I stole..."

We started together, but cut ourselves of simultaneously. I couldn't lift my gaze, I was very ashamed to have to admit this in front of somepony I admired. It was even more humiliating that I was on the floor. I knew that she'd already heard the worst about me, but it was quite another thing to have a personal connection to the worst about me. I wanted to bolt, but the blow had scrambled my brains enough to prevent any such coordination between thought and action.

When neither of us finished, I looked up. Liath wouldn't meet my gaze or his mother's. Finally, he glanced at me. "Do you even remember her name?"

I nodded. "She was the first crystal pony I'd ever met. Smoky Hematite."

His gaze intensified. "Did she mean anything to you?"

I hesitated, and that was answer enough. He snorted in disgust, throwing himself down on a stool. At least he wasn't punching me again. Macha went to the fridge for something as Joe examined my face. I could feel blood dripping slowly from one nostril. Joe stemmed the flow quickly with a hoofkerchief.

Joe helped me to a sitting position. Satisfied that I wouldn't fall back over, he turned to glare at Liath. "Blueblood is a different pony now. He's made mistakes, but he's trying to make up for them."

Liath looked him up and down. "I don't know what his angle is with you, but take it from me. When he's done with you, he'll leave you much worse than if you'd never met him at all."

"Liath!" Macha protested as she handed Joe something wrapped in a towel. It turned out to be a block of something frozen, which I found quite relieving when Joe applied it to my face.

Glancing at his mother, Liath huffed. "Sorry, ma. I should have told you about this a long time ago. I just didn't want to have to break it to you that the little foal you guarded turned into...that."

"You should have told me a long time ago, because you've carried the hurt of it for too long. Now you're just passing it back instead of letting it heal." Macha scolded as she advanced on him.

Liath's eyebrows rose in shock. "Ma! You can't mean to say you're on his..."

Her hoof slammed into the table. "Liath! Don't you go putting words in my mouth. It don't take a genius to see that Blueblood's earned more than his fair share of bad things that could be said of anypony. But it also don't take a genius to know that if a mare can be stolen from you, she was never really yours!" Macha said, punctuating the end with a stomp.

She whirled on me. I tried scooting backwards, but ran into Joe instead. "You tell me this true, Your Highness. Swear it by whatever you hold dear, but don't dare lie to me in my own house. Are you ever going to do anything as stupid as what you pulled with Liath and Smoky on somepony else ever again?"

I thought it over carefully. "I swear by the love of my aunts that I never want to hurt, use, or abuse another pony. Liath, I'm sorry. I'm humiliated by how careless I was with other ponies' feelings back then. I have no excuse; I had no right. I'm just trying to be a better pony. I deserve all the scorn I've received."

The silence that fell between us caused my heart to sink lower. Shakily, I got to my hooves. Joe lent me an extra hoof, which helped a great deal.

"Liath, say something or I swear by every silver strand in my mane I will show you what happens to somepony who punches a guest in my house." Macha said meaningfully.

"Yes, ma'am." Liath said dutifully. "I accept your apology, Prince Blueblood. I-uh, wouldn't hold it against you if you decided to press charges. I probably should have thought of that before punching a prince."

I tilted my head, mostly for effect but also to press the cold deeper into my half-numb face. "What punch? I don't remember getting punched." I said, innocently. The three assembled ponies looked at me with varying degrees of worry. "We were all having a good time and I tripped and smacked the table with my face."

Macha and Joe looked relieved. Liath snorted. "You don't have to do that."

I shook my head. "Hey, after what I did, I think getting punched in the face is getting off easy. I'm just lucky you didn't get hooves on me earlier." Walking back to the table, I stuck out a hoof. "I think Smoky is still single, last I heard. In case you're interested."

He shook my hoof almost as heartily as his sister had. "Nah, I think I'm over it finally. No sense in chasing after somepony who ran off the way she did."

"See! Talk to your ma more often, Mr. Big and Tough." She looked back at me. "Colts."

Liath shrugged. "Guess I just had to get it out of my system."

Poking at my bruised cheek experimentally, I grimaced. "I'm glad to be part of the healing process." I smiled lopsidedly. Liath broke into a laugh much like his mother's. The infectious sound spread, and soon Joe and Macha were laughing along.

***

"You did what?" Luna asked as I tried to make myself comfortable. I hadn't realized it in the heat of the moment, but I'd bruised my flank pretty hard when I hit the floor at Macha's. My seat in the audience chamber didn't quite make up for the discomfort.

"Slipped and faceplanted into a table. I'm rather embarrassed about it, so if you don't mind..." I trailed off.

Luna nodded. "Very well. If you feel well enough to attend court today, I would be grateful for your presence. Perhaps we might also speak on the Garden Party?"

"If Your Royal Highness so wishes." I said, eyeing the nearby nobles. Our crowd was mostly younger sons and lesser houses, but a notable exception came through the doors as my eyes swept across the room.

Captain Shining Armor.

"Oh, sweet Celestia." I said, quite forgetting where I was.

Luna chuckled into her hoof. "I'm glad to hear you think my sister is sweet. I'm sure she'd love it, too."

"Oh, sweet Luna." I said, intentionally trying to get a laugh out of her. It worked, but we had to quiet down as the Captain stood and bowed.

"To what do we owe the pleasure, Captain?" Luna asked.

"I'm actually hoping to get a word with Prince Blueblood, Your Royal Highness." Shining said, looking at me directly. "I'm sorry to do this just now, but it was the only time I knew that we both would be in the castle."

She turned to me. "I suppose I can allow a brief meeting, but I expect him returned to me quickly. If that would be agreeable, nephew?"

As getting comfortable was out of the question, I figured it would be worth a try. At least, I could stretch out a bit and maybe walk the soreness down. "Yes, Princess Luna."

"Dismissed." She said with a wave.

Shining allowed me to lead him, which was a rather odd feeling. I picked a side room that I knew was more insulated against eavesdropping and beckoned him in. "Please have a seat, Captain." I offered.

"If it's all the same to you, I'd rather stand." Shining said.

"Good, that makes two of us." I said, stretching out a hind leg. "What can I do for you?"

"A mutual friend said I should check up on you?" He said simply. "You wanna guess who?"

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. If I hadn't just declared a truce with his wife and sister, it would have been all too easy to fall into old patterns. Besides, I really didn't feel like getting punched again. Not that Shining ever did anything so violent, but I had a way of pushing ponies over the limits without much effort on my part. "Joe?"

"Nope." He said cheekily.

I hazarded another guess. "Luna?"

"Guess again." He replied.

"Celestia?" I asked.

He rolled his eyes. "Come on."

I huffed. "Well, I don't know your sister all that well and I don't normally associate with many of your muscle-bound sword-sharpeners, so if you're quite through wasting my time..."

"Macha Method."

I sighed. "She wanted you to check up on me?"

He nodded. "Said about being sorry about the last visit you had. And something about asking you about trains?"

I rubbed my forehead with a hoof. "Don't tell Luna, because I deserved it, but Macha's son knocked me on my rump."

"You deserved it?" Shining asked.

"I stole his marefriend a while back."

"Oh." He said, once again stunning me with his wit and grace. "And you're not pressing charges?"

"No. Macha...means a lot to me." I said, running a hoof through my mane. "So he and I apologized to each other."

"I don't think I've seen this side of you before, Blueblood." He coughed. "I mean, uh, Prince..."

"Blueblood is fine." I said. "Or...just Blue. We've known each other long enough, Shining."

Shining nodded, his expression still somewhat confused. "Well, Blue, that explains what happened at your last visit to Macha. Now what is this about trains?"

I shrugged. "Apparently, it's Macha's way of helping. Or meddling." Shining raised an eyebrow in response. "Do you remember my second birthday in Canterlot?"

"What, like, ten years ago?" He blinked rapidly, then it hit him. "The day Macha and I took you around the city." He laughed and corrected himself. "Well, more like the day you dragged us around Canterlot."

"I earned my cutie mark that day." I said.

"Oh, that's right. I think I got a commendation for that. Well, for something that happened that day." Shining said with a shrug. "What about it?"

I rubbed my forehead. "I kinda wasn't prepared for this, but if Macha thought this was a good idea..."

"Um, what?" Shining asked. "It was your birthday, you earned your cutie mark, and after your tutoring you were apprenticed to...somepony or other..."

"The Royal Cartographer." I put in.

"Right! So, what is it you need my help with? I'm pretty sure you can get access to just about any map you want."

"My cutie mark is not for cartography." I blurted out.

Shining tilted his head. "What? But Celestia said..."

"Civil told Celestia is was map-related because we couldn't come up with any other reason for getting my mark."

"I'm still not seeing what I have to do with anything. I mean, if I can..."

"What did we do at the train station?"

"Train station? Oh! Wow, I haven't thought about that in years. I was so nervous at the time because you insisted on going while the sarge was in the restroom. I was a pretty young guard back then."

***

Exasperated, Shining Armor chased after his young charge for the day. "Prince Blueblood! At least put your cloak back on to keep the chill off. Mrs. List will have my head if she hears you got outside without it."

Blueblood turns around, nose and and voice haughty. "Fine, but let's hurry, please! Sarge could be back any minute and I really really want to see the trains."

With all the expertise of an older brother, Shining had the cloak on in a flash and the young prince was off like a shot again. In his haste, he took a turn sharp and lost traction. With Shining on his heels, he tried to get his hooves underneath him again. "Your Royal Highness, are you okay?"

"Help me up, please! We have to get there quick!"

Shining sighed. "If you please, I'll carry you. We'll get there in a flash, I promise."

Blueblood nodded. "Thank you."

With Blueblood secured on his back, Shining ran diligently to the train station. At least, the way he thought would take them there. "No, this is the wrong way." Blueblood protested.

"What? Hey, who's the one who grew up in Canterlot?"

"Have you ever even been to the train station?" Blue asked.

Shining made a turn, ending up in an alley. Doubling back, Shining retorted. "Have you?"

"Macha pointed it out on our way to the rink. I knew I wanted to see it too, but the ice rink was more important just then. You have to go that way." Blue pointed out the right way.

"Are you sure? You've never even been outside the Castle before today."

"I know it." Blueblood said confidently. "I can feel it."

"What's that glow? Are you using magic?" Shining said, alarmed.

"It's just a little light spell, don't worry." Blue demurred.

"I can light the way just fine." Shining argued.

"No! Save your energy for running. Now let's go!" Blueblood said, tapping Shining's neck urgently.

"Fine." Shining snapped, going the way Blueblood indicated. The way Blue charted took twists and turns at seemingly random places. With every growing turn, Shining started to worry that it really was just getting them lost. Just as he was about to slow down and tell the princeling off for leading them on a wild goose chase, the sight of the station's clocktower sprang into view.

"There it is!"

Huffing slightly, Shining sighed. "Thank Celestia.

"Hey, you could thank me too!" Blueblood pouted.

"Thank you too, Blueby." Shining said, innocently.

"Call me Blueby again. See what happens." Blue threatened, to Shining's amusement.

He cantered up the road to the station. Along the way, Blueblood's horn light softened and finally went out. Arriving at the steps of the station, Shining Armor stopped and tapped the young prince. "Well, we're here." When that failed to get a response, Shining turned to get a better view at his charge. "Blue? Blueby? Your Royal Highness?"

P.B. and Time

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***Blueblood's 2nd Birthday in Canterlot***

In front of the train station in the lower part of Canterlot, Shining Armor was close to panic as he felt the young Prince Blueblood slump against the back of his neck. The younger unicorn had lit up the way to the station, eager to see one more sight on his rare trip outside of the royal Corona District for his birthday. It seemed the excitable colt had overexerted himself, a dangerous proposition for a young unicorn. With his own lessons on overexertion echoing in his head, Shining knew he had to keep the younger unicorn awake.

"Blueblood, please wake up!" Shining Armor pleaded, succeeding in getting the bleariest of glares from his young charge. Casting his gaze about in search of some help, he caught sight of a pony selling cocoa by the station entrance from a small cart. "I'll get you some cocoa if you keep your eyes open!"

"With marshmallows." Blueblood mumbled, still only half-awake. "And cinnamon."

"Yes, fine, just stay awake." Shining Armor insisted as he rushed to the vendor at the entrance. The earth pony running the stall was stocky, but congenial. Her dark brown coat and reddish-brown mane gleamed. Her cheeks were rosy thanks to the nip the wind picked up at the end of the day.

Looking up from her stall, the seller suppressed a chuckle at the sight of the young unicorn perched sleepily on the back of the young guard. "What'll it be?"

"Uh, two cocoas." Shining replied, trying to reach for his bit-purse without accidentally dislodging the wobbling prince. It was easier said than done, but a wave from the cocoa seller put an end to the juggling.

"Don't worry, it's on the house. Not everyday I get to see a guard and his little brother." The seller said, her smile widening.

Shining blushed. "Oh he's not..."

Blueblood's hoof covered Shining's mouth. "Shh, big bro. Don't forget the marshmallows. And cinnamon."

Shining rolled his eyes as the cocoa seller giggled. She started pouring the drinks from the metal barrel that kept it hot. "Coming right up." She replied. "If you don't mind me saying so, he looks just about ready for bed."

Freeing his mouth from Blue's hoof, Shining Armor sighed. "Well, he's had a long day. It's his birthday and we've gone all around the city to see the sights."

"That's very sweet of you." She said, passing Blueblood's drink over to Shining Armor. Taking the cup in his magic, Shining shook his shoulder to get Blue's attention.

"I'm awake, I'm awake." Blueblood said, in a tone that made it clear he hadn't been entirely awake. Spotting a bench just across from the cocoa stand, Shining headed over to it and gathered his magic to ease Blueblood onto it.

"Good, I'm going to set you over here on this bench. Drink your cocoa." Levitating the prince gently, Shining set him down and placed the cocoa in Blueblood's forehooves.

Macha galloped to the train station, her worry only increasing with every hoofstep. As she made the final turn to the station, she caught sight of Shining's back. With a sigh, she decided to table the discussion on blind spots for later. Slowing down to catch her breath, she realized something. Shining was standing over somepony on the bench just inside the station entrance.

She returned to a full gallop.

"What happened?" Macha asked harshly as she slid to a halt.

Turning back to see her, Shining's expression fell into a guard's reserved composure. "Sgt. Method, I..."

"It's my fault, Macha. I made him run after me." Blueblood said, sounding more alert than he had a moment ago. "And then I tired myself out lighting up the way."

"Magic strain? From just lighting up the way?" Macha asked, eyebrow raised.

Blueblood nodded. "Yes, ma'am. It's been a long day. I guess I was being a little selfish."

Macha huffed, it was just too difficult to stay mad at the little prince. "Just don't make a habit of it. Cocoa does have a certain restoring property when it comes to magical strain. Good of you to remember that, Shining Armor."

"Uh, right." Shining nodded, his tone making it clear that the thought hadn't occurred to him.

Picking up on it, Macha narrowed her eyes. "You were just spoiling him, weren't you?"

Shining shrugged. "I like to think of it as incentivizing wakefulness."

"You strained yourself bad enough to pass out?" Macha asked, incredulous.

"Uh, Shining Armor, stop talking." Blueblood muttered.

"Yes, Your Royal Highness." Shining Armor agreed, closing his mouth.

"You know, you two are worse than my own kids. I've half a mind to let Civil List and the Captain know about this little slip up." As both unicorn stallions looked down shamefully, Macha sighed and waved a hoof. "But really, no harm no foul. Let's not make this any worse than it was. So I'll keep a lid on it and so will both of you. That's an order."

***Present***

It was a blustery day. The weather schedule called for a rainstorm, but I felt it was increasingly likely that the weather team was not in total control of the storm. Rainfall was patchy, at best. Clad in a stylish black trenchcoat, I made my way from the taxi cab. My umbrella was belted onto my back, just in case.

We walked around the front of the station. The lawn and garden out front was even more beautiful than I remembered. A wrought-iron fence bordered the three sidewalks leading up to the doors of the station. The sidewalks cut the lawn and garden into four sections, each one with a fruit tree of some sort and no shortage of flowers. Even in the gloomy weather, the colors stood out.

Shining's eyes fell on a bench not far from where we stood, under the cover of the entryway to the station. He nodded to it. "Over there look good?" I nodded and we moved to sit on the bench.

"Macha might have just been a pegasus, but she really knew her remedies." Shining Armor said with a laugh. "So, this is the last place we went to before returning home that day. Ringing any bells?"

In perhaps the silliest of coincidences, the clock tower in the station chimed the evening bell. The storm had kept the sun at bay for most of the day, and now the light was fading quickly. We looked at each other and laughed.

"You never did mention how you could tell where to go." Shining said thoughtfully. "You'd only seen it in passing and you'd never been out in the city. Did you catch sight of the tower?"

"No, I just knew where it was." I said with a shrug.

"And that doesn't strike you as odd?" Shining asked. "You've never had the best sense of direction. You've gotten lost on more than one occasion, if the guards haven't just been making up gossip."

"I can find my way just fine, thank you." I said defensively.

Shining shook his head and looked at me. "Should I ask Joe about that?"

My eyes narrowed. "No."

The corners of his mouth teased upwards. He looked away, biting his bottom lip to keep from laughing in my face. My expression soured, but it wouldn't help to be mad at him. "I just really wanted to see the station. It felt really important. I don't even particularly like trains. Too crowded, really. Even the few times we've made a short trip on the royal train carriage felt...a bit claustrophobic. But there's just something about getting to go out of the city that was very appealing. I wish we'd taken more trips. I'd love to see the kingdom."

Shining Armor bumped my shoulder in a friendly way. "Well, keep up the good work and who knows? Maybe you'll be sent on a diplomatic mission to...Yakyakistan or something."

I snorted. "Yeah, sure."

"I'm sure Joe loves to travel. He has restaurants all over."

"He does. I've not been invited on one of these trips yet. You don't think the Royal Guard would mind?"

"As a captain in the guard, I'd say definitely not. Guardsponies like to travel too. And you wouldn't need more than maybe three or four at the most. You're a big stallion now, Blueblood. Things could definitely be arranged, especially if you continue to do charity work."

"Yeah." I felt hopeful for a moment. Then his last comment hit me. "Wait. Who told you I was doing charity work?"

"The same guard who reported you as getting thoroughly lost. Just as they were about to step in, you ran into Joe and then the two of you went to some soup kitchen. Luna was pretty impressed. And it seems you've done it a few more times since then."

"I thought I'd slipped my guard."

"You always have at least one tailing you. For your own protection, especially since the Heather Fields incident. And don't be too worried. Princess Luna's guards are really good at following discreetly. And they don't gossip like Celestia's guards do."

"Interesting." I noted, trying to do my best to keep my temper in check. I hadn't done those things to get recognition from my aunts. But the part of me that plotted and schemed was rubbing its hooves together eagerly. I shook my head. "I hope you share their discretion. I don't want ponies to think I'm doing charity work to gain favor with either Royal Court. Is that clear?"

Shining looked at me strangely for a moment, then nodded. "Definitely."

I stood up and turned to leave. "Wait. Please."

Turning around, I caught Shining's earnest gaze. "The ponies who matter want you to succeed in turning over a new leaf. It seems like Joe has been very good to you in that regard. If I thought you were trying to manipulate your way into a better position, I'd make that clear to the princesses."

I bristled, my anger flashing over. "You don't have to worry about me wanting some blasted better position, Prince Shining Armor!"

"I know." He replied, his calm response stalling the flames of my anger. Confusion played across my mind. It must have been plain on my face, because Shining continued. "I just want you to know that there are ponies who care about you. We want to help you too. This relationship with Joe is good for you. He's a great friend. My sister is the princess of friendship and Cadence is good with all kinds of relationship advice. So if you ever need them, or me, or even Luna, please let us know."

A great friend. I smiled broadly. It seemed like Captain Know-it-all didn't know that my relationship with Joe was more than just good friendship. It seemed like I still had some secrets, well, at least secrets from some ponies. Shining Armor did have a reputation for the occasional lapse in common sense.

"I have a good connection with Joe. He is a great friend. I know I can count on him. All that being said, I might take you up on your advice. I've never been a particularly good friend. This is new territory for me. He's really important to me." I finished.

Shining nodded, then another strange expression crossed his face and he looked at me with wide eyes. "Light your horn."

I blinked, confused. "What? I know it's a little dark in this side of town, but the sun's hardly..."

"Please light your horn, Prince Blueblood." He insisted, even using my title. That got my attention. Exhaling, I gathered my magic as I inhaled. As my lungs filled, my horn glowed a soft gold, like my mane.

"Is...is that really the color of your magic?" Shining Armor asked. "I don't think it's always been that color."

"What are you talking about?" I asked, holding the golden glow to prove that it was definitely my aura color.

"When you were younger, the last time we were here. I could've sworn your magic was blue. Like your eyes."

I sighed. Of course he would pick one thing to not be oblivious towards. "I...changed my magic color. I chose this one after Cadence became an alicorn to let other ponies know I was still a prince."

"Can you go back to blue?" Shining Armor asked.

"Is it really that important?" I asked in return.

"Yes." He said, without explanation.

I sighed and let my glow extinguish. Changing magic aura color took concentration. Different spells could change the color of magic temporarily, but changing your everyday aura required discipline. Unraveling the years' worth of wanting to prove desperately that I was still a royal and worthy was a tall order. I had to think back to the young me, the Blueblood who first arrived in Canterlot with eyes full of wonder and a single gnawing fear.

"That's kinda like what I remember." Shining Armor said. I opened my eyes, surprised to see a soft azure glow casting its light onto Shining's normally white coat. "It'll do for now. Now concentrate on someplace you really want to go."

"I can't teleport..." I started to protest.

Shining waved a hoof. "No, not like that. Concentrate on someplace you want to go, but you don't know where it is."

"That won't be hard." I muttered to myself. The first place that came to mind was Joe's donut shop. Was that very far from here? It felt like it.

"Concentrate on that place. Now you have to really really want to go there."

Why would I want to go there? I thought. The answer came to mind more quickly than I imagined. Joe. Of course, I'd want to go there to see Joe. Concentrating on the place and the feeling, I felt something click into place in my mind.

"Woah." I opened my eyes again to see that the color of my aura had intensified. The blue was richer, and the soft glow had become more like a blue light shining through a multi-faceted crystal. "That is what I saw that night. You weren't just casting a light spell. You were subconsciously casting this location spell. Your talent. It's finding places you want to go. Can you tell the way to where you want to go?"

I nodded. The vague mental image of Joe and his shop was overlaid by a map in my mind's eye. It was a fairly long route due to the train stations' placement at the edge of Canterlot. "I can even see Joe's map. I know what streets to take."

"That's great! Blueblood! You're a navigator!" Shining declared.

I exhaled and cancelled the spell. As the glow faded, so did the high of finding my talent. What use was it? Besides never getting lost again? This wasn't a particularly princely talent. It couldn't win friends and influence ponies. It wasn't supernaturally strong magic or even an emotion like love and friendship. It was a parlor trick, even compared to Shining Armor's barriers.

Shining seemed to pick up on my deflated mood. "What's wrong?"

I shook my head. I needed to go see Joe. Joe would know what to say to make me feel better. "I need to go."

"Blueblood, I thought you'd be more excited to finally know what your mark meant." Shining said, nearly incredulous.

I shrugged my shoulders and turned away. "I thought I would be, too."

I hailed a cab as I reached the street. I'd think of a way to make it up to Shining Armor for all the help he'd given me. My thoughts were muddled and self-pitying as the cab made its way across the city. Even with my mental state, I could feel that we were headed the right way. I guessed the lingering effects of the spell took a while to wear off. Exiting the cab, I paid the driver and walked up to the front door.

Passing through, I heard the bell jingle above me. There weren't many ponies around. Nopony came out from the kitchen to greet me. Glancing around, I saw Joe sitting at a table. That was unusual enough, but when I saw who he was sitting with, my blood ran cold.

Civil List was here. In Joe's shop. Talking to Joe.

P.B. and Delirium

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Seated primly at a booth, Civil List caught sight of me before Joe did. Her expression shifted subtly from the facade she used on everypony to the more guarded expression she wore around ponies who played the games she did. In that moment, I think I hated her the most. She'd brought the barbed words with a fake smile politics from the court to a place it just didn't belong. The donut shop should have been safe from Canterlot's cruelest sport.

She rose from the seat and nodded her head at me. Joe turned and smiled at me. I could see relief flicker across his face. Whatever they'd been talking about, Joe clearly hadn't enjoyed her company. Few ponies I knew would. As I walked over, I reminded myself to breathe. My instincts told me to grab Joe, shove Civil out and start planning a trip as far away from here as we could manage. My sense won out and instead I began crafting my comments. I was younger, perhaps less experienced but with more energy and with something she'd never seen me possess. At this point, I wasn't sure if it was motivation or desperation, but in either case it was a force I'd tapped into to carry me forward.

Whatever her game, she would not win.

"Your Highness." Civil said by way of greeting. As always, every movement was carefully controlled. Her gracefulness on par with either princess as she bowed her head.

Matching her control, I nodded in return and managed a courtly smile. "Civil List in a donut shop? I'd never thought I'd see the day when you'd step into a place you felt beneath you."

She arched a brow. Candor had its uses in courtly exchanges. It was a surprise tactic, a verbalistic lunge that caught those unsuspecting unaware. Ever the experienced fencer, Civil let it pass. "Your words can wound, Prince Blueblood. I'm here to discuss the future. Princess Luna's party. To my knowledge, Mr. Joe has never catered for the palace before."

"So you came down just to check on catering? I am sure that Princess Luna's staff have been more than adequate at explaining procedure to Mr. Joe. You tutored many of them yourself, if memory serves." I said, leaning to one hoof so I could inspect the other.

Civil raised her chin. "And just like them, you find yourself in the service of lesser ponies. I raised you to be more. A prince that the nobility would embrace full-heartedly. A prince that could navigate the courts from the inside, instead of relying on other ponies to do so for them. Instead, you lost yourself in the worst behaviors of the well-born and bred."

"Thank you, Civil, you have made your point quite clear on that matter." I replied, icily. "I was what you made me."

Civil shook her head. "I was angry when I heard that Celestia had thrown you out. In my entire career, nothing came between her and I more than on how to handle you. But it seems you are starting to learn. You've completed your service, even made friends of Twilight Sparkle and Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. If you are willing to actually listen to me this time, there is much I can teach you."

I smiled broadly. Civil List actually returned it and held out her hoof. I looked at it for a moment, resisting the urge to spit on it by the slimmest of margins. My gaze returned to meet hers full on. "Civil List, go to tartarus."

She stiffened, her snout upturned and her eyes steely. "Weigh your words carefully. You know how powerful an ally I could be. I've returned to court to see one of two things happen. Either you return to Celestia's good graces or I get to see your downfall first-hoof. And at this point I do not much care which it is. You'd think that your first real love, unconventional as it is, would have softened your barbs."

There it was; the shot at my relationship with Joe. "Any relationship I have is none of your business."

Civil tilted her head and laughed. It was colder than I remembered and just as hollow. "Either way, the court will talk. Your reputation is tarnished on that account, oh prince of pleasure. Widening your contamination outside the peerage will most assuredly squash any chance of you returning to the House of Day. The nobles won't allow it, no matter how much charity work you do. You'll hit the glass ceiling, like many of Celestia's other failures."

"Taking a common lover is not as uncommon as it was in your time." I reminded her.

"A common, same-gender lover? You forget the preferences of the ponies behind the scenes. You'll never be an heir to the throne, but you could still lead the House of Day until it finds its next alicorn. But only if you also keep the powerful ponies happy. Lord Fields of the House of the Earth is already against you. That leaves Fancy Pants of the House of the Loom and Fleur de Lis of the Noblesse des Fleurs."

"I have an ally in Princess Mi Amore Cadenza of the House of the Heart. And Twilight Sparkle of the House of the Stars."

"The two youngest houses in the peerage." She said dismissively, even waving a hoof.

I shook my head. "The two houses best situated to inherit the throne. Cadence already rules the Crystal Empire." I said. pointedly. "And besides, who says I want to return to the House of the Day?"

Civil actually snorted. "You can't be serious. Princess Luna's House of the Night is a joke. Her Night Court is a farce. Having you at her side, at your worst and lowest, has done neither of you any favors. One cannot pull themselves up by what is beneath them."

"Civil, let me put it bluntly. You are beneath me. These political games you play are beneath me. And the concerns of closed-minded ponies are definitely beneath me. I will make my own way back into a good position, without you."

Her smile fell immediately. "You're going to regret that. You've made many enemies among the Court and even the princesses won't be enough to save you the next time you mess up. You may find a good position, but I suppose it's time we both face facts. You will never be great." With that, she brushed past me and walked out the door.

Joe stood up, his eyes twinkling. "I can see where you got your ability to charm ponies."

I laughed, mostly out of relief, but also because he seemed no worse for the wear. "Well, at least she didn't get to you. What did she even want?"

Joe shrugged. "Honestly, I was tuning in and out. Something about the prestige of serving nobility, making a proper impression, and keeping my head on my shoulders. That my reputation could be ruined by the smallest detail overlooked."

"Sounds like she was trying to ward you away." I noted, rolling my eyes at her less-than-subtle attempts to threaten him.

Joe shrugged. "Well, she was rather dismissive to my accomplishments and my food. I was about to kindly tell her to hit the road when you showed up."

I placed a hoof around Joe, pulling him in close. He stepped into my embrace and returned it with both of his hooves. Burying my head in his shoulder, I caught the comforting scent of cinnamon and dough wafting off of Joe. He must've been working when Civil interrupted him.

Joe gave a soft chuckle and tapped my shoulder. "I take it that your afternoon with Prince Shining Armor didn't go as planned?"

Pulling away, I shook my head and dabbed at my eyes. They'd gotten a bit misty as the stress left me. "Yes and no. I know what gave me my mark, but I'm not happy about it."

Joe perked one ear up in confusion. "That doesn't sound right. How can your special talent not make you happy?"

I walked up to the counter and peered at the donuts intently. "It's a long story. Let me tell you about it over a donut."

***

Waking up in Joe's embrace could never grow old. It was a feeling from my distant past returned to me; the security of a loving pony's touch. I could only vaguely remember my parent's faces. Years had gone by since I could recall my mother's voice. Yet I could recall the sensation of being wrapped in their forelegs, safe and happy.

I shook my head as my eyes misted over. It was too early for this sentimental stuff. Perhaps a bit more insistently than I'd intended, I shook Joe to wake him. "Hey, Joe!"

His eyes fluttered open and his embrace tightened as he pulled me to his chest. The former good feeling of his limbs around me now became a crushing, constricting force. He rolled on top of me and swung his head around wildly. "What? Who? Where?"

"Joe!" I protested, slapping his chest to get his attention and hopefully get him off of me. Now instead of crushed by his limbs, I was crushed underneath him. It took a great effort to breathe properly.

"Oh, uh, oh!" Joe responded at last, his voice pitching from relief to confusion to realization. His weight was just as suddenly off of my chest. "Sorry, I was having a rough dream."

I rolled to the other side of the bed and sat up gingerly, rubbing my bruised barrel. My ribs seemed no worse for the wear, the soreness diminishing as I took careful breaths. "Of what? A changeling invasion?"

"Actually, it was about a centaur with these great horns who broke out of Tartarus. He was going around, stealing everypony's magic and then he teamed up with Discord. The crazy bastard even got the princesses! But he was stopped by Twilight Sparkle and her friends when they all burst into rainbows." Joe said, stumbling over himself to explain the dream in vivid detail.

I held up a hoof to stem the tide of words. "That all sounds like a great story for a work of fiction, but this is the real world. No centaurs here. And Discord is a friend to the Element of Kindness. Uh, Shutterfly, I think. Blue pegasus with a curly pink mane."

Joe shook his head. "I think you mixed up a few things there."

I waved a hoof. "Yeah, whatever. More importantly, I thought of something while I was snuggled against you. You know, before you tried to squash me to save my life?"

"Sorry about that. Again." Joe repeated, coming over to softly massage my back. I almost shoved him away, but then my back popped and I turned into butter in his hooves. "What did you think of?"

Sighing with content, I opened my mouth to speak, but only managed a low moan as his hooves went down my spine towards my lower back. "Ohh! Oh, um, well. I was thinking that we should take a trip together. Shining Armor assured me that it wouldn't be too much of a burden and Princess Luna has been very happy with my progress since we made the soup kitchen trip a regular thing."

"And you want to get away from Civil List." Joe noted, deceptively casual.

I shook my head and chuckled. "Okay, and I want to get away from Civil List."

Finishing up on my back, Joe moved up my neck. "Are you sure you're not also trying to get out of Princess Luna's party? That's coming up very soon, you know. We just finalized the donut/cake flavors and arrangement."

"It's just a day trip. We'll leave in the morning and be back by nightfall. I can get an airship easy. Celestia commissioned a new cruiser a while back and made it clear that it was for the House of the Night. Luna's taken a few trips, so she's definitely sky-worthy." I noted the sudden absence of his hooves. Turning, I caught sight of his grin and couldn't help but return it. "What?" I asked.

"I don't think I've seen you excited like this. It's nice." He admitted, taking a hoof to ruffle my mane.

Normally, I'd send off a little shocking spell on anypony who dared touch the mane, but I took the rubbing with good humor. "Well, there's only so much moping I care to do in a year. I've hit my quota, so it's time to be happy."

"Tell you what, we can plan it all out over drinks tonight. There's a nice quiet pub in a corner of Prominence District that seems like it doesn't get a lot of notice, but it is lovely inside." Joe suggested.

"Sounds great!" I agreed.

***

Stepping into the Moon and Horn Pub was what I'd imagine it would be like to step in off out of a foggy old Great Bittish street. A fireplace, dark-stained oaks and soft warm lighting. Boisterous laughter as a group of business-type unicorns played a game of darts. The bartender had a very authentic-sounding Cockneigh accent and he bantered playfully with the business ponies as I glanced around.

"Well, Your Highness, fancy meeting a pony like you in a place like this." Emain Macha commented idly as she walked by. "You having a drink or two? I'll buy the first round, but you gotta tell me the story of you stealin' my brother's gal."

I rolled my eyes. "What would your mother say, to see you in a pub like this?" I asked pointedly.

Emain snorted. "She'd say to not waste my bits on the bottom shelf swill and not forget to bring home something stiff and strong."

I blinked at the entendre. "What?"

Emain laughed, a full throaty chuckle that put me at ease. "I was pulling your leg, good thing you have four!"

My eyes went heavenward, or as close to heaven as I could manage given the fact I was indoors. The resultant view was mostly just timber supports and wooden planks. Sighing, I took a step towards the bar.

"Well, there's somepony I didn't expect to see. Emain Macha, right?" Joe said from behind me. I half-turned to face him and Emain. Her smile never faltered, rather it actually widened.

She nudged his shoulder with her hoof. "Good t'see you both! All we need is my ill-fated brother and we could have a real fun time."

"Do you just go to pubs by yourself?" Joe asked, his voice stiff. I wasn't used to hearing Joe speak like this.

Emain gestured wildly with a hoof. "Drinking at home's no fun and too many drunk idiots in one place would be a pain in the arse. The crowd at this pub tends to be in the Goldilocks region for me. And the drinking company's always good."

"Well, let's get that round you promised me." I prompted. Emain led the way to the bar. Joe fell in right next to me, our shoulders practically touching, in spite of the wide open floor space. I had to be wrong. My initial suspicions had to be incorrect. Joe wouldn't get...

"You just happened to run into Macha's daughter?" He asked me.

His tone did my doubt in. The anger flashed in my eyes. He must have seen it, because he amended his statement. "Small city, I guess. At this point, I should expect to see Princess Celestia at any moment."

At that point, I couldn't tell which pissed me off more. Was it that he'd gotten jealous? Or was it that he'd just abandoned the very idea as soon as it escaped his lips. This anger led me to respond in a way I hadn't done in a while. Bad habits and all.

"What'll i' be?" The bartender asked.

"A Sireish Stout." Emain ordered.

Joe piped up next. "A pint of cider."

"A Sonic Rainboom." I said. The eyebrows on the bartender, Emain, and Joe went up simultaneously.

***

I woke up the next afternoon at Joe's place. My best guess was I left him without an alternative. Starting off with a drink that incorporated liquid rainbow, vodka, and a magically-charged shot of moonshine seemed like a much better idea at the time. "Ugh, my mouth. Oh! My head! What the hay did I do last night?"

"You got really drunk and then told the blue-est jokes I've ever heard anypony tell. The first one almost got us kicked out." Joe said, sounding almost impressed as he passed me a tablet and a glass of water.

P.B. and Desire

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"Just do me a favor and never tell that joke again." Princess Luna concluded at the end of our negotiations.

I couldn't help it; I blushed. "I'm thinking of reducing my alcohol intake drastically."

"Good idea," she said as she nodded. "See that you do." Her rueful smile softened any sort of impact I could have taken.

I bowed and took my leave, inwardly elated in spite of my drunken antics the night before. Luna was in favor of my first 'solo' trip out of Canterlot since I'd arrived. She'd even cleared me for two full days away instead of the one day trip that I'd requested. It wouldn't actually be a solo trip; I'd have Joe, four guards, and a personal assistant. Princess Luna had seen fit to grant me my own personal assistant! I was lectured, of course, about propriety and noblesse oblige and basic pony decency, but I made a conscious decision to be unfailingly kind to my assistant. Whoever she was.

I'd basically gotten everything packed on my own. One of the two day guards, Flash, had actually shown me how to pack my things so that the large suitcase actually closed, but I'd picked everything out. Joe was meeting us at the station. All I had left was to wait for my cute little assist--

A knock at my door interrupted my thoughts. Stumbling a bit around my suitcase, I went to open the door. I collected myself, adjusting my mane in the mirror on the door before opening it. Instead of a mare, there stood an earth pony stallion. Brown coat, a slightly darker Brown mane. More on the lean side, with a colorful scarf wrapped around his neck and a merry twinkling in his eyes.

Craning my neck, I attempted to look around him in the vain hope somepony else was there. I managed to catch a glimpse of one of the castle porters before his head followed mine. I attempted the same maneuver on his other side and was met with his face again. I relented. "Hello." I said, trying vainly to put some good feelings into the greeting to make up for the disappointment.

"Your Highness, hello. I'm Dr. Turner. Time management specialist." He said, extending a hoof.

I bumped my hoof against his, without enthusiasm. I had a sinking suspicion, but I held out hope that I was wrong. Inhaling slowly, I let it out and smiled. "How can I help you?" I asked as I stood to the side to allow the porter to access my bags. The stout earth pony began securing them in his trolley as I spoke to the newcomer.

He chuckled. His posh accent caught my attention as he continued. "Actually, you have that a little reversed. I'm here to help you! Princess Luna offered me a good sum to move here from Ponyville and act as your personal assistant!"

I blinked, momentarily at a loss for words. Luna said that my assistant would be cute... "My aunt has a wicked sense of humor."

She wasn't exactly wrong, per se. But Turner wasn't a paragon of high fashion. Neither was Joe, but at least he had the sense to not wear a loud multi-colored scarf with a green tie and white collar. Said collar, by the way, was one of the more ridiculous pieces of couture to come out from an assuredly misguided designer's mind. Not even a full shirt, just the collar. At least when I'd sported the look, I'd had the sense to have sharp black lapels and a faux-button-up. This was practically spartan.

"Ahem," the stallion cleared his throat. "You seem to have lost your tongue, Your Highness. Perhaps you were not expecting me?"

I tore my thoughts away from the brink of incivility and cleared my own throat. "You could say that. My aunt implied a...different kind of pony for this position. I trust you are suited--" My mind caught on the word, as he was clearly not suited, at least in the literal sense. I tore my thoughts away from ranting at the stupid plain shirt triangle. "That is to say, you are capable of assisting me."

He gestured to his planner balanced on his back. I hadn't noticed the detail before. "Very much so. I trust you will find my itinerary for today's trip to be satisfactory, if a little bare. I made sure you had plenty of free time for your friend Mr. Joe. There are but a few matters of importance, such as luncheon with Their Royal Highnesses and--" I held up a hoof to cut him off. Luckily, he stemmed the tide of words and acknowledged it. "Yes?"

"Who briefed you on the particulars of this trip?" I asked, more curious than furious.

Without missing a beat, Dr. Turner piped up. "Her Royal Highness went over the broad points but Moondancer went over the particulars, including travel accommodations and an overview on royal house guard protocol as well as Crystal Empire etiquette."

I exhaled slowly through my nose. "Well, I suppose this trip will be a good trial run for you. See how you handle the stresses of the job. I will try not to make it too hard on you, but I can be rather demanding."

Turner's smile never faltered. His eye contact was something I'd have to get used to as well. Most ponies didn't look me straight in the eyes. "I believe we will get along just fine. If your highness is ready, your aunt's baggage handlers are prepared to take your luggage to the Royal Air Dock. Captain Armor actually changed the departure point so that it would be closer." He said, answering the question I had before I asked.

The Royal Air Dock was a photo-op place made to look as grand and elegant as possible while still serving its function as the departure point for most trips of state. Canterlot's Royal Air Force served as the guard here, all experienced flying pegasus ponies, with a few earth ponies and unicorns rounding out the paper pushers. With the advent of mechanical air travel, pegasi weren't the only ones to serve as pilots, although they were the majority.

To have the honor of using the R.A.D. for such a relatively small trip was heartening, but also confusing. The planning I'd done had naturally included the nicer of the three Canterlot Air Docks in the Prominence District. Sky Harbor was the home of Luna's airship, not the R.A.D. because the R.A.D. was quite a bit smaller than the largest airship harbor in the city. This would have certainly included taking Luna's airship on a small flight out of Sky Harbor and over to the R.A.D. I tried not to dwell on the change as we made our way to it.

As it turned out, that was prudent. The answer to several of my questions, from why the pony at my side was there to why we stood in the private royal antechamber of the castle's air dock. And, of course, she was smiling.

"Your Highness, Prince Blueblood." She said, nodding her head at me graciously.

I bowed, inclining my head to the most appropriate degree. "Your Royal Highness. I am honored to have you see us off. I take it Joe was informed?"

Joe trotted over, tail high. "I'm here...oops. Did that count as speaking to me?" Apparently, Moondancer’s etiquette lessons had a little way to go still.

I rolled my eyes. "Not really, but Her Highness is rather forgiving of slips in protocol."

Princess Luna waved a hoof to clear the air. "Pony Joe and I have already conversed. When I picked him up from Sky Harbor we discussed the few alterations I had to make to this trip. They concerned him directly. This is now a state visit of Canterlot to the Crystal Empire." She held up a hoof at what I am sure was my sour expression.

"This is news to me." I said, trying to stay positive. I winced as I realized I hadn't quite succeeded.

Luna seemed to take it in good humor. “The change was unavoidable. Only a few alterations to your itinerary, I promise. I’ve briefed Joe and Dr. Turner as well.”

“Oh, so I am the last to know of this little change?” I said, carefully metering my tone as I felt my hackles rise.

Luna raised an eyebrow. Apparently her humor had limits. “Celestia informed me that she sent Civil to explain the reasons for the change. My apologies, I assumed she did so. In the future, I will personally make sure that you are notified.”

“Oh.” I said, off-guard. I was still mad, but the long-smoldering pile of anger at Civil List was an issue I was much more experienced in handling.

“Yes, Dr. Turner?” Luna said, acknowledging the raised hoof.

Turner blushed as everyone's attention turned to him, but cleared his throat and spoke. “Your Royal Highness and Your Highness, my apologies as well. I should have filled in His Highness on the way here.”

Luna waved a hoof. "We will take this as a learning experience. To the matter at hoof, though. There is a cultural festival taking place during your visit. We were quite taken by surprise, as well. Apparently, there was some confusion over whether the tradition would continue, but it seems a growing set in the city insisted upon it."

I rolled my eyes. "Tradition gets in the way of fun again."

Luna chose to ignore my demeanor, but I could see the line of her mouth deepen slightly before she recovered. "Quite. Cadence and Shining Armor could use some additional royal presence and as Celestia and I have found ourselves unable to attend, you shall be my representative. Joe is Celestia's representative; he also has a special mission to find and master the ability to create edible glass. It is of particular interest to my sister, for some reason. I admit, I am curious as well. The confectioners around here have been less than successful in gaining the trick, although Pinkie Pie of Ponyville came close with a cloudy semi-transparent rock candy. Crystal ponies are more open in many ways, but closed off in others."

Nodding, I slipped my carry on from my luggage rack as it passed by. It floated just over my back as I piped up. "Dr. Turner can fill me in on the particulars. Any other special event changes to my vacation? Perhaps you have a diplomatic errand for me to run as well?"

Luna shook her head. "Only as they relate to the festival. Your free time to explore the city is greatly hindered by the festivities, but I trust that you can make the most of the situation. It is a festival, so I'm sure there will be fun to be had. Dr. Turner will go over etiquette as it pertains to the festival as well. Do me proud, nephew."

I bowed again. "Yes, ma'am."

As the others exited, Luna's magical glow encircled my chest and held me firm. "Yes, Your Royal Highness?"

She calmly walked over and faced me. I tensed, holding my chin high and took a deep breath to steady myself for the incoming lecture. I'd earned it with my multiple interrup-- "Do you intend to sass me at every meeting, or is this a special occasion?"

I steeled myself for punishment, but her laughter caught me off guard. She hugged me. I was momentarily dazed. "What?" I asked, the very picture of eloquence.

She drew back to hold me at leg's length. "It was difficult not to laugh. Take care that your antics are only thus in front of those close to us. It wouldn't do you any favors for your reputation if you were heard back-sassing your princess."

"Interrupt my vacations with work and you'll get more than sass in the future." I said cheekily. She bopped my head lightly with a wing.

We both chuckled. "You remind me of a young princess who pouted every time her plans were interrupted by state business."

"You?" I asked, picturing a young Luna with a pouty face. It was oddly cute.

She shook her head. "You would not think the comparison to be a positive one."

I nodded and shook my head in response. "You're probably right about that."

After waving to the cameras on the way to Luna's ship, the HMS Crescent. Only two ships bore the HMS, Her Majesty's Ship, designation. Celestia had her own personal ship, the HMS Corona. Now Luna had her own as well. Every other ship carried the TMS, Their Majesties' Ship. The Crescent really was designed with Luna in mind. Black and royal purple, with gleaming silver accents and her nameplate shined to near-blinding.

Beside the walkway, past the red carpet and the small pool of press beside the red velvet rope, Joe stood waiting, Dr. Turner spotted me and nodded. He went ahead, presumably to ensure my things were delivered to their proper place. I smiled for a moment, as Joe checked an imaginary watch.

The flashes and questions were fleeting. I answered with one platitude or another. For the moment, I wasn't worried about my responses. My focus wasn't there, although I was sure I made the proper gestures and said the right things. Instead, my single thought was getting down to the ramp.

I spotted a reporter I recognized. "Life, I thought you were writing novels?"

Life Story shrugged. "Let's just say current events have led me down a different path."

I looked around us and laughed. "Yeah, me too."

"Equestria heartily approves of this, Your Highness. From your ongoing help with Pony Joe at the soup kitchen, to your advisory role in Luna's Court; you've earned respect in the eyes of the citizens."

"Tell that to some of my detractors at court." I said with a grin as I turned to leave.

"Your Highness, one question?" Life piped up again.

I turned back. "Of course, sorry. Forgot you were press for a moment."

Looking down at his badge, Life looked back at me and smirked. "I can see how you'd be confused."

I coughed, politely ignoring him. "Your question?" I reminded him.

He had the grace to blush. "Right. After he spoke for you in Celestia's Court, and everything that the two of you have done since, what would you say your relationship to Pony Joe is?" Life asked.

I froze. Glancing back at Joe, I took a deep breath and let it out. "Are you writing for a gossip magazine?"

Life sounded offended. "Good heavens, no. I'm sorry if it came off that way. The friends of the nobility is a source of curiosity for those following issues at court."

"I assure you that any influence that Joe has, he's earned." I said firmly, fixing a sidelong glance on the blood-dun unicorn stallion.

Life Story waved a hoof. "Of course, my apologies. I didn't mean to imply..."

"Joe is important to me. He's done a lot to help me turn over a new leaf and start anew, even this late in the game." Turning back once more to the red unicorn, I smiled. "Keep an eye on us." I said before walking away.

At the end of the ramp, I took one look back at the reporters and then looked at Joe.

He looked at me, his eyes widening with realization as I smiled. He smiled in return and shrugged. "It's your choice. Either way, they'll have a field day with this. 'Prince Blueblood Entrusted With Representing Princess Luna.'"

"How about, 'P.B. and J. Rock Equestria?'" I countered, waggling my eyebrows suggestively.

Laughing, he set a hoof on my shoulder. "Only if you really want to. It doesn't have to be here and now. Or ever. As a matter of fact--"

I leaned in before knocking his hoof away. As he stood confused for a split-second, I grabbed his neck and pulled him in to kiss him. It was mostly chaste, only a little in the way of tongue. I could swear I heard a certain unicorn whooping his support, a sentiment mostly reflected in the gathered assembly of press. Professionalism be damned, it seemed.

We waved to the still-flashing cameras as we walked up into the ship. I stopped in the middle of the hallway to catch my breath. I focused on looking out the window as the ship began casting off lines to take off. Wiping my forehead, I realized I'd broken out into sweating. Handing over a hoofkerchief, Joe smiled.

"That was...unexpected. I'm glad you decided that we wouldn't be hiding around anymore, but I don't know how well you thought this through." Joe commented.

I shrugged. "Well, it's done now. Too late to second-guess it."

P.B. and Despair

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It is said that the emotions of the Crystal Empire are amplified by the Crystal Heart and can influence much of the land around it. The most obvious sign of this is the constant fair weather. While the landscape surrounding the Crystal Empire is a frozen waste, the city of the crystal ponies remains calm and balmy. That much I knew from the corny, brightly-colored travel brochure I'd used for research.

In living color, the city escaped sufficient description. So what must follow therefore is my best attempt at a woefully inadequate one. I'd apologize, but that would have to mean I'm sorry. If there was one thing I could never be after witnessing the Crystal Empire with my own eyes, it would be sorry.

Within any other setting, the single-minded nature of the decor would be seen at best as cookie-cutter, and at worst tacky. However, the differing hues, clarity, shapes, cuts and how all interacted not only with direct but also ambient light was a feat of genius writ as large as a city. The sheer effort to make the crystal gleam without being blinding was enough to boggle even the most talented minds. Any single home, business and building exuded the best of craftsmanship. Taken as a whole, what other word could fit but wonder?

It contrasted sharply with the ponies I came into contact with immediately upon touching down in the empire. Aside from Cadence and Shining Armor, it seemed every glistening face had but one facet. Somber.

The public reception was brief. Pleasantries exchanged before the press and then a quick and silent retreat. Cadence's eyes clued me in and I closed my mouth before I could speak. It was only in the privacy of the royal chamber that we Canterlotians could speak without a crystalline ear to hear.

"Some cultural festival." I remarked as I took my seat at a nearby desk chair.

Joe couldn't help himself. "Blue, we just touched down."

It seemed the informality was spreading. Dr. Turner spoke next. "Joe, you're supposed to address him as Your Highness in formal settings."

"It's more of a...remembrance." Shining Armor started. "And we don't much stand on formalities when it's just us..."

Cadence waved a hoof, silencing us all. "Prince Blueblood, it is a pleasure to see you. I'm sorry that more information could not be rendered to you to make this celebration more understandable. Much of this is impromptu, relying on barely remembered formalities dating back before the Evil Sombra's reign. But Shining Armor is right, this is supposed to be a celebration."

"Then I'm missing something." I said, standing once more. "What are we celebrating?"

Cadence looked to Shining Armor, drew a breath and turned her head back to face me. "The lives of those who have passed."

The silence fell as hard and as thick as a brick. Cadence looked around the room and drew a breath. Then another. By the third, I could see a single tear draw a line down the princess' face.

Taking a step forward, Shining nudged his muzzle against his wife's and took over. "In the Crystal Empire, the Festival of Lights is to celebrate and commemorate the lives of those who've passed. This is the first year that the Empire has as a group decided to come to terms with the loss of those who were not in the Empire when it disappeared. Virtually no household went unaffected. The Empire was much more vast than these city limits, but only the capitol disappeared. These ponies are over a thousand years old. Their loved ones were lost to time. It's..." Shaking his head, Shining refocused. "So this celebration is to be the biggest of its kind."

I glanced at Dr. Turner and Pony Joe. We were vastly out of our depths. Leagues of emotionally turbulent water was figuratively above our collected heads. A baker, a time-keeper and a reformed prince against the uncertainty and pain of over a thousand years of mourning.

With a shrug, I exhaled softly before answering. "How can we help?"

Cadence looked at Shining, who smiled and nodded. "Well, that is certainly the spirit of things. Service projects have begun all over the city. Since you are our guests, we'll leave it up to you to take an assignment with any of the projects that have invited royal attention. Shining?"

"There are a few major projects. Our hooves are too tied to make an appearance at all of them. First is a replanting at the garden of the main park closest to the Crystal Heart. Second, a monument at the main archway into the city is being finalized. Third, a banquet is being held in the castle tonight and the baking staff is short a member."

"Well, I know which one I'm going for." Joe announced. "Just point me at the kitchen."

"I do think getting my hooves into some soil would do them good." Dr. Turner said next, surprising me. "What? I've always wanted to put down roots."

I groaned. "That leaves me to go see how the monument is progressing." I said, desperate to change the subject.

Cadence and Shining exchanged glances. "You know, you don't have to split up. You could stay with Joe..." Cadence offered.

I waved a hoof. "Nah, I'd just get underhoof with all the other bakers. I'm okay, but I'm not quick."

Shining continued the thought. "Or stay with Dr. Turner and..." He seemed at a loss for words. "Garden?" He looked as if the thought of me gardening was completely outside of his imagination.

I shook my head. "Just point me down the road. I can look at a monument as well as any other pony."

"We're just...how do I put this kindly?" Cadence said, tapping a hoof to her chin.

Shining blurted. "Going to be hyper-critical or rudely dismissive of the work normal ponies do."

Cadence looked wide-eyed at Shining and then turned to me. "That's not what I was going to say."

"You know I used to make regular appearances in Canterlot before I hit my...rebellious years, right? Like, even the rough parts?" I rolled my eyes. "But you both are concerned. I don't suppose you have a guard that can go with me. Pull me out of any "trouble" I might have. And give a little more credence to the honor of being visited by a prince."

"That's a good idea." Shining agreed, nodding. "Yes, we do."

"Perfect," I said, attempting to keep my tone even.

***

"Perfect." I said, my tone dripping with irony as I looked at a group of work ponies at odds with each other. They stood around a half-finished monument. A wall of names, made from large, reflective black crystal. "Excuse me." I said to the pony closest to us. "Could you show me the pony in charge?"

"Sure, most of us are trying to avoid him, but why not?" The crystal pony said, his coat somewhat dimmer than the ones I'd seen to that point.

My guard tapped my shoulder, so I slowed down enough to let him take my ear. "Your Highness, these ponies appear to be in low spirits."

"Thank you, I'd picked up on that." I whispered in return.

"You're welcome." He responded, oblivious.

The pegasus in charge was flapping his wings irritably. His topaz coat barely had any shine to it at all. Upon seeing me, he seemed to dull even more. "Oh great, By Spike's tail this day is getting better and better!"

Before I could even ask what Spike was, the pegasus was practically in my face. "Look, you can tell Cadence and Shining Armor that the memorial will have to be completed next year! This has been impossible. I don't know why I thought I could herd this group of diamond dogs together to get this done on time."

Impassive, I held up a hoof. "I take it you've hit a snag--"

"That would be putting it mildly. It's a disaster! Every pony here seems to think their own idea would be better than what's planned! As if I merely thought up this memorial this morning." He ranted. I pursed my lips in disdain at being cut off. As lax as my aunts were about decorum, one simply wouldn't even go this far in front of nobility in Canterlot. At least not in public!

"What seems to be the problem?" I asked, grimacing as he went off again. I ignored a vast majority of his whining and blame-scattering. The gist of the matter seemed to be that the monument was supposed to be a wall of names to those who went missing. The lists they had were woefully mismanaged. The material they decided to use for the wall was difficult to work with for the engraver. There was only one engraver. Their smallest list had hundreds of names. The rest of the volunteers had no experience engraving and the few that had tried succeeded mostly in blasting chunks out of walls.

As this pegasus ranted, the engraver walked up and set down his chisel. His turquoise coat was nearly as dull as the pegasus planner. I regarded him and spoke. "I take it you are the engraver?"

"That I am." He responded, calmly. His eyes hardened as he looked at the planner, but then the engraver turned back to me. "Chisel. Nick Chisel. I'm quitting. This has to be the worst run service project in the history of the Empire. That pony there--" here he pointed to the pegasus, "--is the biggest ninny that ever wore feathers."

"You can't quit!" The planner roared.

"Watch me." Nick Chisel responded, turning around. His coat seemed to gain a bit of luster with each step away.

Whatever remaining glow in the pegasus went out. "You just watch! I'll tell all my friends in the Quartz district about this!

"That's it!" I snapped. "On behalf of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and Prince Shining Armor, I, Prince Blueblood, am taking over this project. You, sir, are relieved of duty. You may tell your friends in the Quartz district how a pony from outside the Empire saved it, again." Whether it was my tone or the Crystal Empire Royal Guard at my side, the pegasus blustered unintelligibly and flew off.

"Mr. Chisel!" I called, catching the ear of the engraver. He must have heard me sack the feather-duster, because he'd already half-turned by the time I'd turned around to call him. "I could use an artist's eye."

"Everypony! This project is going to be reshaped. Leave off those lists of names. It was a good idea, but the execution is killing this project. Do we have any material besides this drab black? Not to put too fine a point on it, but it reminds me of a certain king I heard about on my flight here." With a few short sentences, it seemed like I had everypony on track again, their interest showing in the hopeful glimmers of light reflected off their crystalline coats.

"Your Highness, if we may have a word. I'm Carter from the supply company. Our warehouse is nearby and we can have any number of other shades for you as soon as hooves can move." An earth pony of deep amber hue piped up. I looked up into his honey-brown eyes and smiled. "What we can't do is anything with the three slabs already engraved. They're too brittle to sand down."

I thought for a moment. "Then we'll break them up and use them for the redesign. Please have your ponies bring a few lighter shades, varying sizes, no bigger than half the size of these black slabs. And of sufficient quality to engrave easily."

A yellow topaz unicorn about half the size of Carter squeezed in and bowed. "Speak." I ordered.

"Your Highness, as the treasurer of this project, I must tell you that the original funding would be insufficient for such materials." He said, his glow nearly completely diminished.

"How much funding was allocated to this project and from what sources?" I asked. "Actually, tell me about that later. Right now, I want you to bill The Night Court of Princess Luna in Canterlot for this project under my direct authority as Prince of the Court. This project is now a direct gift of Her Royal Highness Princess Luna to the ponies of the Crystal Empire."

"Yes, sir!" The yellow unicorn replied.

"Your name?" I asked, curious about one of the few ponies to ever treat me so formally.

He bowed again. "Jaune Light, Your Highness."

"See to it, then." As Jaune and Carter went to gather more materials, I turned to my engraver. "How are you at design?"

Nick shrugged. "Not as bad as some, not as good as others."

"There's a ringing self-endorsement." I remarked drily. "Well, you're the best we have. Unless somepony else has ever designed a public monument before." At the crowd of shaking head, I shrugged. "Oh well, so here's my idea. We have all the material necessary to start a mural. The archway here is grand, but bland. Color it up, use some of this black crystal to outline some things and basically make a small colorful map of the Crystal City. And an inscription that reads something along the lines of 'Lost to Time, but Found in our Hearts.' Pass that around the ponies and see how they like it. What do you think?"

"I think we need to get to work." Nick said, barking a few orders out to the surrounding volunteers. Turning back to me, he bowed. "How is Your Highness at cutting crystal?"

I shrugged. "I'm a quick learner."

As we broke up some of the black crystal slabs, Nick looked at me. "Your Highness, have you ever lost somepony important to you?"

"That's a cheery subject, Nick." I observed, my witticism doing nothing to deter the engraver.

"I was chosen because I used to engrave tombstones. You can say I'm a pretty cheery guy. It would be a stretch, but you could say it." He said, his self-deprecation easing down my initial walls. "This holiday is supposed to be about remembering the ones we've lost. Celebrating them, not simply mourning. I'm sorry if I bring up bad memories. But surely there were good ones that went before it."

After a long moment of silence, I whispered. "My parents. I was old enough to know them. To be proud of the work they did helping cure ponies. But for all the lives they saved, they couldn't save their own."

A drop splashed on the section of slab I was cutting. I let the magic go, feeling the spell die down as I hurriedly wiped the evidence. Nick noticed, of course. "Did you know that this archway led to another village in the Empire? One that didn't get carried away in Sombra's spell."

I shook my head, not trusting my voice just yet.

Nick nodded. "Most of the ones we honor were in that village and a few others like it. Some were just on the other side of the border. Just outside the spell. When some ponies started to remember, they remembered waving to a friend just across a field before..." Nick coughed, I looked away politely. "My wife and son were just up the road. Just a few hours away. I was here, delivering yet another load of headstones. There were so many in those days. Then, I was just wandering aimlessly for a few months, suddenly thrust forward into the future. When I finally remembered...I remembered telling my wife I loved her as I walked out. Hugging my son on the fence near the gate. I never came back, but they knew I loved them."

I was literally the worst pony to be handling this situation. I couldn't even bring myself to look over at Nick, a pony I'd only just met. Cursing my weak nature, I charged up my horn and cut off another section. There was quite a bit of this material, with plenty left over for a second mural. I'd have to justify this expense to Luna, but maybe telling her how much it meant to the ponies in this group would satisfy her.

"Do you remember the layout of the town?" I asked, struck by another bolt of inspiration.

He looked at me, his eyes wet but clear with understanding. "It'd be quite easy to incorporate with your design."

I corrected him. "Our design."

He held out his hoof. I bumped his with mine.

P.B. and Destruction

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Perhaps it was selfish of me. My own thorny pride has a way of getting the better of me anyway. Why would I be so surprised to be standing surrounded by crystal ponies, their coats gleaming in satisfaction as we gazed over our hoofwork, and feel like I wanted Joe to praise me. To have him slap my back instead of Nick Chisel, in spite of the design work we shared and the moment we had to talk to each other about lost loved ones. We had accomplished so much, a band of ponies on the brink of dissolution when I first set hoof here. How could I feel slighted just because one pony wasn't there to praise me alongside the many ponies who were doing so now?

Selfish. That's what I was. What I always ended up being. This was how I got myself into so much trouble. I couldn't just enjoy the satisfaction of the moment. Even among these ponies, these thoughts were swirling in my mind. I smiled as I blamed my own shortcomings for not having a genuine smile. As the sun set, I turned away. It was time to leave.

A hoof tapped my shoulder. It was Jaune, the little treasurer who had done so much to get the new materials here. "Your Highness, forgive me."

I waved a hoof. "No, that's quite alright Mr. Jaune, I should have known better than to try to leave without saying my goodbyes."

"Not just that." He blurted, blushing a darker yellow. "What I mean to say is, I have a few things to go over with you concerning the cost and the materials themselves."

"I'm sure we can discuss this tomorrow. It's been a frightfully long day for me." I said, dismissing the thought.

"I'm quite sure now is the best time, pardon my forwardness." In the brief time we spent together, the little unicorn stallion had never been so forward. I was intrigued.

"Go on then." I instructed, sitting on the roadside.

"Well, we discussed the matter of payment with Mr. Carter and he was insistent that we not spend more than wholesale. I was hard pressed to have him accept much money at all. The sum we arrived at is still much more than the original memorial would have been, but considering the quality of the material, this partial donation is significant."

I resisted the urge to yawn. "I'm sure he'll make it out alright during the tax season. Was that all, Mr. Jaune?"

"Not quite, Your Highness. There is also the matter of the material chosen. It has particular properties that are best viewed...under the correct circumstances."

"Given the nature of crystal, I assume it is sometime during the day?" I asked, wondering when I'd have to come back to see it at full magnificence.

"No, sir. Just after sunset, sir." He said, pointing a hoof over to the setting sun and then back to the southern archway.

Jaune led the way back to the memorial. I couldn't help but to wonder at this puzzle, but my curiosity surely wouldn't have to wait long. As I'd spent the better part of a day poring over every detail of this mural, it didn't quite hold my interest as the sun waned. I silently marvelled at the beauty of the sky at sunset, the artistry that both of my aunts put into lowering the sun and raising the moon. As the last rays shot over the horizon, I felt that insistent tapping again. My eyes returned to the subject of our labor.

For the moment, my brain went blank. When it caught up to what I was seeing, I looked over to Jaune and silently thanked him. The crystal mural was glowing, the light not unlike that found in the bottom of a pool. It flowed around the piece in an unpredictable yet elegant dance. Suddenly, the exactness of each cut and placement made sense. The resultant effect was as aesthetically pleasing as it was mesmerizing.

I quite forgot myself and threw a hoof over Jaune's shoulders. My little yellow pony had surprised me in the best way. Carter came up on the other side and did the same to me. In the glow of the memorial and the triumph of the moment, I let him. Spotting Nick on the approach, I released Jaune and embraced the engraver.

"Quite satisfying, what can be made after something is destroyed. This mosaic mural is a great gift from Princess Luna and the Crystal Empire will remember it fondly. Everypony standing here today will pass on the word of Luna's gift, and of Prince Blueblood's generosity and skill." Nick said eloquently.

"If you wanted to destroy my reputation, you could have given me a bigger part in this little story." I said jokingly.

Thankfully, Nick seemed to catch my humor. "I'm afraid your bad-colt reputation was ruined before your arrival. The soup kitchen incident and your relationship with a certain baker made it to even our gossip magazines." Nick said with faux-smugness.

"Thank you, everypony." I raised my voice enough to at least catch the attention of the group. Most nodded or waved and a few 'thank you's' later I turned back to return to the palace.

The trip back necessitated a cab ride, even my well trained guard seemed grateful for the break. I actually briefly snoozed along the way, waking up in time to see our final approach to the main courtyard of the palace. To my surprise, we'd picked up a slightly soil-coated Dr. Turner while I was asleep. He shook his head at me as we exited the cab.

"Fell in a flower bed." Was all he said by way of explanation. We parted ways at the door, although I did overhear him inquire after the nearest showering facility.

As we rounded a corner on the way to meet with Cadence and Shining Armor, I crossed paths with perhaps the last pony I expected to see.

"Aunt Celestia?" I asked, surprised.

Her face was as inscrutable as ever. "So this is how I find out that you're dating somepony?" She held aloft a newspaper in her golden glow. The kiss with Joe on the ramp of the airship was front and center, along with the headline. It read: 'Rumored Romance Rises to Reality: Prince Blueblood Reveals Surprising Special Somepony.'

"I really should thank Mr. Story for catching my good side. Although I will have to talk to him about his apparent love for alliteration." I said, inspecting the paper closely. The first few lines seemed very supportive.

To my satisfaction, Celestia looked stern for a moment. Then her expression softened. "I don't know why I'm surprised to have you treat this so lightly. Please, let's continue this somewhere more private." She led me up the stairs to a nearby room. The window of this room overlooked the throne room, where Cadence's feast was in full swing.

Her tone irked me, and I quipped back without thinking. "I don't know why you suddenly care who I date. It's unlike you to take an interest, unless you have some objection because he's common-born."

Celestia shook her head. "Actually, I'm relieved your newest relationship is outside of the peerage and castle staff. It's a nice change of pace. And if the rumor mill is correct, this relationship has been going on for a while? That's even more commendable. The last relationship to last longer than three months was the cartographer's daughter, I believe."

She was right, but I wasn't about to admit it. It had to have been a lucky guess. "Actually, Lady Fields was longer by a month."

"No she wasn't. She was spreading false rumors so that you would notice her." Celestia countered, right again.

"Since when..." I began, but she cut me off.

"Since the day you came into the castle. I've cared. I've always cared. I wasn't great about showing it and I wasn't aware of everything going on, but I cared enough to at least follow your mistakes." She sighed, a sound of frustration with which I was quite familiar but also had an edge with which I was not familiar. "Why do things have to be this way? I came here to apologize!"

"You've done that, I think." I replied. "I shoved you away last time. I'm surprised you even put up with me."

"Yeah, well I didn't apologize for letting Civil List take the lead on raising you, did I? Or apologize for not seeing how her biases were keeping you from the foalhood you deserved? How about that? Or how about not knowing how horrible she's been to you even all these years later? Did I apologize for not realizing until she didn't do something I specifically asked her to do that all the rumors I'd ever heard about her might be more than just a spoiled foal with hurt feelings?" The frustration I'd caught earlier manifested once more, but this time I could tell it was self-directed. Her voice raised in stages with each additional question. "That all the problems I ever had with you were because I wasn't there and I left you with probably the worst possible pony to handle you?"

Having an alicorn yelling an apology in your face is something nopony could get used to, least of all me. My brain went blank as she backed off, sitting down in a chair by the floor to ceiling window overlooking the ballroom. Her mane hid her face, but by the placement of her hooves and the shaking of her shoulders I knew she was crying.

Unbidden, I crossed the room to sit at the foot of her chair, leaning against it slightly. Peering down at the crowd I could see Joe explaining the rather large donut cake to a small crowd of interested ponies. He actually served up a few slices as I watched.

"He's the first pony in a while who really makes me happy. I want to be a better pony around him. Joe likes cinnamon, to an obsessive degree. Only Philomena has him beat on that count." I paused as I heard her allow a small laugh pass her lips.

"I'm glad. It's all I've ever wanted to hear from you. Whatever happens, please let me know what's going on with you and your life. You're my family. I haven't acted like it, but that means so much to me. More than I realized. I let Luna's return, Twilight's training, and so many other things take up my time."

"They were important. Twilight needed to be trained to know how to restore Luna. Cadence was an alicorn nopony expected, with powers in love nopony could have predicted. Equestria needed them."

"You were important, too. I need you."

I shook my head. "I was just some foal you felt sorry for."

She fell silent. My ears perked in her direction as I felt her shift in the chair. "Say that again?"

"I know. I'm not really a prince. You forged a connection to me to justify taking me into the palace. I do appreciate it, even with everything that went wrong."

"My little nephew, tell me Civil didn't fill your head with such lies."

I turned around, incredulous. "I'm not really related to you? What are the odds? Some nopony son of two doctors?"

Celestia's hooves covered her face as she groaned. "You really are my nephew! It sounds made up, but it actually is true!"

I stood up. "What? How?"

She shrugged. "Destiny, fate, the fault in our cutie marks, whatever force you like to blame. I gave up questioning it centuries ago."

As I stood, staring, she cocked her head. "You don't think...not all this time! Oh, Blueblood!" Wings surrounded me first, alarming me and cutting off escape as hooves wrapped around me. Pressed against her warm chest, I took a moment to process that I wasn't under attack. Well, at least not a conventional method of such.

"Let me grab Cadence and Shining. If you don't believe me, there is a spell that proves we share blood." She caressed my mane, which I couldn't even begin to be annoyed by in the mental maelstrom I was in.

"You're really not kidding." I stated.

She took it as a question. "I swear it on the sun, Prince Blueblood. By anything and everything I hold dear."

I'd heard her make this same assurance once before. To an incredulous Twilight Sparkle, who was still not ready to believe that she was taken on as Celestia's personal student. If she would make the same promise now, she had to mean it. "I thought...I-I thought..." I stuttered, my brain too destroyed to even get the thought out properly, let alone be dismayed at my own stutter.

She squeezed me tighter. "I know. I am so sorry. I never thought you doubted it so strongly."

"Why did you kick me out of your house?" I asked, tears scalding my face.

She held me at foreleg's length. "You never defended yourself. I had to hear from Lady Fields' driver later on that she took things so far as to threaten you. His conscience got the better of him because you had turned your life around. I am so sorry that you didn't trust me enough to think I'd treat you fairly. I'm sorry that I ever treated you unfairly. I must have, if I'd lost your confidence in the first place."

This was it. All I'd ever wanted. All I could ever think to ask for to change the relationship between myself and Celestia. I bit my lip until it bled, and only then was I convinced that I wasn't dreaming. I pulled away slowly. She let down her wings and lowered her hooves.

"I love you, Aunt Celestia." As incredible as those words were, my next had a more profound effect. "And I forgive you. For everything. But, in all honesty, everything that happened led me to find somebody like Joe. Things had to get as bad as they could for me to find the best thing in my life. Worse than I ever imagined. But I lived through it. And I came out on the other side in a better place. So don't beat yourself up too much, okay?"

As we embraced again, I whispered. "But you owe me a real vacation, none of this royal appearance shenanigans."

She laughed. "Anyplace you want to go. Anywhere at all."

Turning to look back down at the party, I saw Joe wheel in another donut cake. A rich, chocolate covered one. "Aunt Celestia, how much do you know about stealing cake?"

From the mischievous smile and the flash in her eyes, I knew I had myself a partner in crime. From the sparkles of gold around us both, I could tell that we were teleporting.

We both melded into the shadow of the servant's entrance, our rather abrupt appearance unnoticed. With another flare of gold, Joe's serving knife disappeared from the wheeled trolley he was pushing. As he came to a stop, he looked around for the knife in confusion. A small crowd was forming to be served.

"I think we can make off with a quarter without arousing suspicion." I whispered.

Celestia watched Joe cautiously. "Dearest nephew, those ponies have had quite a banquet. I say we could take at least half. But we need a diversion."

"On it." I said as I strode forward confidently.

"Oh, hey Blue. Hungry? I'm sure you worked up an appetite supervising that memorial."

"My dear, I helped build a memorial."

"Right." He said, his tone betraying his thoughts. "Well, just give me a moment and I'll have the serving knife. Could have sworn I set it on the cart."

I grasped him by his apron front with my magic and pulled him through the crowd and to the dancefloor as the band struck up a familiar tune. "I'm afraid I have quite the appetite, my sweet baker. Tell me, can you tango?"

"Well, I..."

"Don't worry; I'll lead." As the violins sweetly finished the opening to Por Una Cabeza, I teared up and entwined my forelimbs with Joe. I lead him though the beginning tango steps, testing his paces through the first piano run until the song calmed down again. He seemed in his element, so as the piano struck again, I added a few embellishments, some rather naughty hoofwork and backward leaning. I did manage to catch sight of Celestia nabbing the cake. The greedy mare actually stole the entire cart without so much as getting spotted in anypony's peripheral vision. All eyes were on Joe and I.

At the song's end, I left my stallion breathless on the dance floor as I left to have my cake.

P.B. and Dream

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The study lit up in my regular golden shade before I corrected myself and returned to blue. The spell I'd stumbled on as a foal, the one that earned me my mark, sat waiting in my mind as if I'd left it lying on a table. A table in a dusty, rarely used workshop, for that matter. I barely had time to remember to focus on the book I wanted before I lost the strand of magic from my core.

"Your magical stamina is somewhat...lacking. Although, that's hardly surprising," Twilight Sparkle intoned with enough of her know-it-all attitude to leave a bitter taste in my mouth with her little side-comment. She seemed to catch on that she made a slip, because her ears pinned down for a moment. "Sorry. Old habits."

"Yeah, they die hard," I replied drily, with extra salty dryness on the last two words. "So let's move on. You're the bearer of the Element of Magic. You must know how to increase my magical stamina."

She nodded eagerly. Her horn lit, illuminating the library around us. The books seemed to come from nowhere out of the darkness. "Books on magical exercises. The more you do, the more you can do. Most unicorns can only use magic related to their special talents. But what is common to all unicorns is that if you don't use it often, your skill, strength, and stamina all diminish. Here's the first one. Now, I noticed that your magic changed colors. Mind explaining what you're doing?"

I sighed and rolled my eyes. "I changed the color of my magic when I was demoted from Crown Prince. It was important to keep up appearances and show that the demotion was just temporary until I could become an alicorn."

"Well, not to put too fine a point on it, but that's your problem. Changing the color of your magic for aesthetic purposes is wasteful. It actually requires more magical power to do so. Which is why your spellcraft is generally regarded as..." She lifted a hoof, circling it in the air as she searched for a diplomatic way to say what she wanted to.

I snorted. "Shoddy. Don't worry about hurting my precious feelings now, Princess Twilight. You're closer to achieving my goals than I will ever be."

"That's not..." she began to protest, but I waved a hoof.

"Water under the bridge, Your Royal Highness. Unicorns are usually only adept at the type of magic that their special talent requires. Your special talent is magic itself. If there's anyone around with whom I can swallow my pride and learn it would be you, oh Future Ruler."

She stamped a hoof. "I'm not..."

I shook my head and merely chuckled. It was a sound that was many things; merry was not one of them. "Not yet. Just give it some time. The sisters won't rule forever. And you've proven yourself capable enough when it comes to doing extraordinary feats of magic. Perhaps you will even rule beside Cadence. Love and Friendship taking over after Sun and Moon," I mused.

"Not for a good long while, I think." Twilight shook her head, stubborn in her refusal. "Now let's get back to the matter at hoof: your little stamina problem."

That was certainly more of a double-entendre than I ever expected from Saint Friendship. I rolled my eyes again, catching sight of the moon through the stained glass window. A sudden thought struck my head and I pressed my lips together tightly for a moment. Inhaling sharply, I looked up. "Luna!"

The dream-library and Twilight Sparkle faded out as the moon grew. Finally, it burst into brilliant white light and the princess of the moon stood before me, a decidedly unapologetic look on her face. "I hope you appreciate how difficult it is to join two dreams together over such great distances."

"I hope you appreciate my unwillingness to become one of Twilight Sparkle's students!" I replied, just as stubbornly refusing to back down.

She drew herself up, a slightly condescending look on her face. "You could stand to learn a few things yet, Blueblood. And it seemed like as good a time as any to begin addressing your problems."

"It is my decision when to address these problems, Aunt!" I replied. "And I don't care how petulant that makes me sound. Honestly, you're acting just like..." Luna's form wavered, as if the mare before me was just an illusion. "Celestia?"

The Luna-facade went away, leaving my Aunt Celestia standing in her place, albeit with Luna's cutie mark on her flank. "Well done, seeing through that illusion."

"Don't act like it was intentional. Your form wavered. You're not used to using dream-magic when casting spells," I replied, taking a closer look at Luna's mark on Celestia's side. "What in the world?"

Celestia sighed. "It...just. Well, every once in a while, Luna and I change jobs so that we can appreciate what the other sister does. The first time we did it was sort of...accidental. Starlight Glimmer..."

I held up a hoof. "So you decided to take on my problems in the dream world while you had the chance? I don't know if I should be flattered or just more angry."

Celestia cast her eyes upwards. "You can be both. Harmony knows you've had the ability to hold two conflicting emotions at the same time more than once."

I'd often wondered what Celestia used when she wanted to express something only a higher power would know. "Usually directed at you as well, yes."

"Luna suggested I try it. But using Twilight and then an illusion-Luna was my idea. I just wanted to be a part of helping you without you knowing it was me. You tend to get defensive about my involvement. Which is a valid concern, given our history," she admitted, sitting down on her bed.

Suddenly we were in her royal chambers. It was a place with which I was quite familiar, but it also carried with it the emotional baggage of numerous fights that I'd had and lost with my dear aunt. I'm sure her intent was merely to set herself at ease. I exerted a touch of control and sat down on Joe's bed, the dream room becoming a melding of her royal chambers and his room. She looked at my side of the room with a smile.

"Setting aside our history, Twilight would be a great resource for you to pull from. She is the bearer of the Element of Magic, after all," Celestia said.

I shook my head. "I'm not getting banished to Ponyville just so I can do a few exercises. Nope. If you want me to learn, you'll just have to teach me."

"Well, that could be arranged," Celestia said. She stood and headed over towards the melding points between her room and mine. She waited. For a moment, I was confused, then I realized she was extending that same metaphorical olive branch she'd tried to offer more than once before. It was still Celestia and my cynicism echoed through my head that this gesture was another empty promise, but for the life of me I couldn't put any belief into it if I wanted to.

Perhaps that was the most telling; I didn't want to hate Celestia anymore. While a shocking development on its own, I pondered whether that was enough. To her credit, Celestia didn't invade on my space or even look all that annoyed at my reluctance. She was waiting for me to make my move. Convinced as I was that there wasn't a sufficiently cynical reason for Celestia to go out of her way now of all times to include me, I shrugged and stood up.

"Really?" I asked, surprised. "You'd make time for me?"

Celestia smiled. "I've been trying to make time for you, Blueblood. Really. And with three other princesses, I can start easing my busy schedule. I've taken up knitting."

I snorted, temporarily forgetting my good graces. "Went right to a grandma hobby? Well, I guess retirement is creeping up on you," I said. My lips went into a teasing smirk before I widened my eyes, realizing I might have gone too far.

To my consternation, she genuinely laughed. Without warning, she wrapped a wing around me to draw me into a hug. I tensed before relaxing into it. I'd forgotten how nice the sound of her laughter could be. "Well, keep joking like that and I won't show you the blanket I've been working on. For now, don't spend too much more of Luna's money unless you have to and have fun! Show that stallion of yours a good time."

She waved as the dream faded into darkness. I sat up in my room in the Crystal Castle. Joe shifted over to compensate for my movement and remained asleep. There was supposed to be some type of fair and we wouldn't be expected for any state business until the end of the day. With a grin, I decided taking Celestia's advice on showing Joe a good time was something I'd enjoy. First the theme park, then lunch at a food stall in the market and finally...


"We've had a fairly relaxed day. It's good to be away from the bakery." Joe's words drifted through the cool night air. Crystal buildings really gave off the most uncanny of echoes sometimes. "I'm surprised you didn't want to stay at the theme park all day."

"Eh, a few rides and some corny music is enough to keep my inner colt happy," I insisted. "Besides, there's so much to see that isn't just some manufactured facsimile."

Glancing around at our impressive surroundings, Joe looked as if he agreed. We passed a block in companionable silence before he finally asked the question. "Where are we going?"

"I just want you to keep an open mind about it, okay?" I started, already anticipating the kind of response I was likely to get. Given that I'd kept him in the dark, I wouldn't be surprised if he got a little snippy. But I might have been projecting my own behaviors on him.

Joe shrugged. "When have I ever not had an open mind?"

I tapped my chin. "Well, you have a point. But there are some things from my old life that I still enjoy that might...rub you the wrong way. And we haven't spoken about some of the more sensitive subjects yet. Granted, our relationship is between new and...less-than-new..."

Joe held up a hoof. "We're off on a tangent, dear. Where are we going that would remind you of your old life?"

Looking at our destination, I smirked and pointed. "We're here."

"To be honest, this really does live up to your old moniker." Joe glanced around the industrial-themed nightclub with a certain amount of trepidation. We journeyed inside of the club, easily getting through security in spite of the line. That was always a perk of being royalty. I'd have to remember to try and expose Luna to some of this before Celestia got a hold of her.

My smirk widened, content to let the feeling of the music pulse through me. It took a little digging to figure out where the crystal ponies went to play, but even a converted warehouse in the gem-cutting district made for a great rave spot. "Ponies misunderstand what it means to truly seek out pleasure. One might even consider it a return to the primal needs of any pony. Eating. Drinking. Sex. This was the world I lived in before I met you, dear. This is a side of me that you should know."

Joe quirked an eyebrow at me. "Not my kind of scene, but I can appreciate the appeal. Especially for a disgraced princeling with an attitude problem."

I laughed. "Well, you are quite the charmer, Joe. A regular silver-tongued devil."

"I suppose you want to go join the pulsating mass of ponydom out on that dance floor?" Joe gestured out towards the area in question with a hoof.

I shrugged, eyeballing the bar area. I'd have to be careful no matter which way we went. "Normally, I'd have said yes. But now..."

A white pony with violet eyes and neon-blue mane appeared out of nowhere at my side. "Well, if it isn't the Crown Prince of Pleasure."

I smiled, trying my best to look harmless as I sidled against Joe. "Oh! Vinyl, what a pleasant surprise."

"Pleasant would be if you watched your liquor and didn't cause a scene. But maybe you've settled down now? The papers have been running your little romance story all over the place. Life Story is promising quite a scoop and has even done a bit of research on your probation, fall from Celestia's court, and charity work with a certain sweet-toothed baker." Vinyl paused to turn to the pony in question. "Pony Joe, good to see you again. Hope you haven't bitten off more than you can chew."

"Vinyl, that is probably the longest I've ever heard you talk. Ever," Joe commented drily.

"Well, a romance between the best baker in Canterlot and the Prince of Pleasure is sure to make anypony talk more than normal." Vinyl shrugged, tipping her glasses down to reveal her eyes. "Especially given the divide between experience. If I may be so bold."

"You could stand to be a little less bold, Vinyl." My tone was a touch sharper than intended.

"That's a first from you, Princey. But hey, I can respect that you're trying to be a better pony. Celestia knows I've made enough mistakes for any one pony." She turned to gesture grandly towards the dance floor. "Why don't you two hit the dance floor and give these ponies something to talk about?"

"That sounds like fun," Pony Joe said as he stepped up.

"It-it does?" I asked as he turned to give me a look. The eyes said it all. Whatever inhibitions that Joe'd had, something in the conversation with Vinyl made him pony up and challenge me. "Well, if it's fine with you."

I strode forward with Joe and we entered the fray with gusto. As our hooves hit the floor, a voice started belting out a swinging tune, backed up by jazzy accompaniment and synth smashes. The music truly fused new and old school ways of getting down. Extending a hoof to Joe, we started swing dancing like there was no tomorrow.

Our dancing soon caught attention from those around us and we were suddenly in the middle of a cleared circle. We swung, spun, and came back together with fancy hoofwork and unmistakable passion. Joe actually pulled me into a trio of lifts as the music started to really hit a peak. By the end, we were both sweaty, breathing hard, and completely entranced by each other. Joe held me gently in a dip as the horns blared one last time. There was silence for a second, which was quickly enveloped by loud cheering from the others on the dance floor. Joe pulled me back up as he smiled. Looking around, he shook his head and waved at the attention we were receiving.

At a corner booth, we were joined by Vinyl and a few other performers and the club's manager. Drinks were flowing, but Joe kept me from overindulging, making sure we had plenty of water at the table. After a few drinks, I realized quickly just how many glasses of water I'd had. A familiar pressure was building and I nudged Joe to ask the manager about the little colt's room.

Joe joined me, or course, and we both made it to the bathroom where we relieved ourselves like racers. As we washed up, Joe bumped my hip with his and chuckled. "You know, this is the most fun I've had in a while. Even with Vinyl bringing up old memories. I guess we've both got our own history."

"Wait, you and Vinyl?" I started to ask, before he shushed me.

I bumped him back, but with a bit more force than he did. He caught his balance, but his chuckling intensified. "Well," I said as I pulled him in closely for a kiss, "the night's not over yet." His eyebrow lifted up in appraisal before I went in for the touch of his lips on mine. For a moment, we forgot ourselves until another stallion entered to use the facilities. Thankfully, he seemed intent only on achieving his goal. As we left, I had a word with one of the servers to look in on the poor guy. I'd passed out in enough bathrooms to know the signs.

We made our goodbyes not long afterwards and headed out into the night. As eye-blinding as the Crystal City was during the daytime, it was even more eye-catching at night. Canterlot City was a sea of glittering stars spread across the land, but the Crystal Empire was alive with light. Every surface gleamed, the colors seamlessly melding into something grander than the sum of its parts. From my view at the Crystal Palace it was amazing. From the ground level, amidst the hustle and bustle, it was surreal.

"You look exceptionally good tonight, Blueby." Joe's announcement came out of nowhere and promptly interrupted my musings.

"What? Don't I look exceptional most of the time?" I asked in mock offense.

Joe's wicked stare held me for a moment before he snorted. "You look exceptionally exceptional. The only exception to this exceptionally exceptional occasion would be the exceptional times that we've shared in my bed."

I grinned. This cinnamon-scented pony sure knew when to give me the bedroom eyes. "Your exceptional bed."

"Too bad tonight that bed is in Canterlot," He said, feigning disappointment. His eyes gleamed in eagerness that I would have to be quite naive to miss.

Patting him on the shoulder, I turned to head back to the Crystal Palace. "I think tonight we can make an exception."

P.B. and Death

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Our little two day getaway was over. The week of preparations for the Moonlit Garden Party was underway and it was hard not to feel overwhelmed. Moondancer, Time Turner, Joe, and I did our level best to keep everypony's heads above water, including our own.

Celestia actually surprised me when we got back. I had little warning, only the flash of light gold around me and then I was magically at her side in her personal quarters. Until I'd been old enough to want my own privacy, I'd grown up in this suite of rooms. I still remembered that time fondly. Having these familiar surroundings be exceptionally unchanged in the intervening years brought a bit of peace to my heart. Some things never changed, and that was true with Celestia on certain matters.

The uncharted territory of where she could change stretched out in the silence between us. Princess Celestia sat on a rather plump cushion on the floor. "I should apologize for stealing you away so abruptly."

I shook my head. "Princess, let me assure you that--"

She cut me off. "Aunt or Celestia. Or Aunt Celestia. Whether we're in public or private, as a prince you have that ability."

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. "With all due respect, it is quite improper to speak so familiarly in public when I am not a crown prince or heir to a noble house. Those are they who can address you informally. Traditionally speaking, of course. As Civil List has no doubt found to her displeasure, you often waive the more formal aspects of address and comportment."

"I suppose Luna's been too busy to talk to you, but no matter." Celestia gestured to the cushion beside me in invitation. I sat. "You will have noticed that I don't stand much on ceremony."

"Well, given that neither of us are standing, I suppose I could say the same," I joked. She smiled, a real smile that lit up her eyes. "It has caused you no end of troubles with those dedicated to the traditions long at play in pony society."

Celestia heaved a heavy sigh. With a glow of her magic, she popped a small wooden box between us. As she spoke, she began to open it and rummage around. "Let it be noted between us that I have never been comfortable with these traditions, even when they began so many years ago. So it gives me no end of pleasure to turn things on their heads when I can. But yes, as you've stated, the more traditional amongst the peerage are vocal in their dissent with my assessment on propriety." She passed over a small puzzle for me to use my magic on to solve.

Reminding myself to use my original color, I picked up the warm-up puzzle and set about finding the proper solution. "You have allies in the peerage as well, but two of the major movers and shakers happen to be sticklers for rules. Civil List was a key part of your entourage for a reason. She helped you navigate the political minefield that comes with dealing with ponies of a certain persuasion." Puzzle solved, I reassembled it to reset it back to the way I'd found it.

"Please don't take this as an insult, but you have picked up a few of Civil's tricks yourself, if I'm not mistaken?" Celestia looked at me with care. I let the immediate anger at being compared to Civil flow through me and then leave me as I exhaled slowly.

Blinking slowly, I nodded. "That would be a fair assessment. I learned a great many things from her. Good and bad."

"There is a lot I should have taken the time to notice, Blue. But in spite of all I did wrong, I think learning a bit from Civil may help our cause. I just wish it hadn't come at such a cost."

I set the puzzle down with exaggerated care. The war of emotions in me wanted to snap out at her, but my better demons were holding me at bay. "What is our cause?"

Celestia's gaze weighed me, the mind behind the eyes almost audibly clicking and whirring as the mechanisms within churned. "The return of the House of the Night to prominence. Luna's house is overdue in that respect and to solve the problems that once divided us, getting her renown is of the utmost importance. I suppose you've heard how the last few Day Court-related events have gone?"

It was difficult to know where the starting point for 'the last few' would be. It seemed ever since the Summer Sun Celebration in Ponyville there was a certain penchant for events going awry. Not all were on the same scale, and Celestia certainly never seemed to be too troubled whichever way things ended up... "Has that been intentional?" I asked, suddenly wondering exactly how much Celestia planned to go crazy.

Her sudden glance over her shoulder told me enough. "Define 'intentional.'"

"Well, aside from kicking me out of your house, you seem to be quite good at pissing off the traditionalists. So I'd say you know exactly how intentional," I said, drily.

She coughed into her hoof and continued, standing to gather the next instrument of instruction. "When I gave you over to her house, I was angry. I didn't think it all through properly. My calculations were that you would continue to diminish." Giving you over to Luna was to show the traditionalists that I would deal with family that stepped out of bounds fairly. I expected Luna to send you away after your probation failed and her toughness would help her cause with the traditionalists."

My temper was a funny thing sometimes. It ran hot for a while, but if it couldn't find release and more pressure built, it went cold. And not in the, 'I've calmed down' kind of way. More in the 'this ice-storm could kill a yak' kind of way.

Reaching into a nearby cupboard, she withdrew a set of glass orbs. Their fragility was their entire point; magical grasp could be more firm or less firm with the proper concentration. Taking a moment to coat one in a special liquid, Celestia continued. "Civil's assessment upon her return was about as glowing. Speaking of which, I suppose it's fair to say I've not decided yet what to do about her decision to not pass on information as directed. Were it any other pony, their prior performance would dictate how I'd respond. But I believe her prior performance, especially as it involves you, calls for a stronger response than normal." At the end of her final sentence, Celestia levitated all five glass orbs at once.

I shrugged, more annoyed than surprised at her reluctance. Standing, I charged up my horn. "Firing her would be a mistake. She does have connections and friends in the noble houses who believe in the more traditional ways. Getting rid of her would send a signal to those wings of the peerage worried about losing the benefits of their status." Taking an orb at a time, I purposefully avoided the final, liquid-coated orb until the end.

She emitted an un-Princess-like snort. It wasn't immediately clear whether she was critiquing my exercises or if it was in response to my statement. As I took hold of the last orb, I took extreme care. The liquid coating made it more slippery to my magical grip. It also tended to react unpredictably in a magical field. As I wasn't keen on exploding the orb again, I used a considerable amount of concentration to make sure my magic flowed evenly around the orb.

Celestia walked around me, examining my progress and taking stock of my control and power. She also seemed keen to pick my brain as she went. "Like Lord Fields? As I recall, there were some less than fully truthful statements made leading to a certain somepony's audience with me coming from his next-in-line. The way I see it, their house owes mine for a wrongfully pursued suit."

For a moment, her clear misunderstanding of the situation irritated me. It was enough to disrupt my concentration for a moment, and the liquid around the final orb started to sizzle. Slowing my breath, I concentrated on returning the coated orb to an even state. Satisfied that I'd accomplished it, I realized that Celestia was just spitballing me to see what I'd say. "That would be one way to see the situation. I doubt that Lord Fields would see it that way. Especially in private. Were you to call it a debt, he'd no doubt agree in public. Yet, there would be a grudge there. There should be a way to collect the traditionalists into your cause without ultimately compromising the atmosphere currently at Court. Why is this so important? Having the Night Court free from the petty squabbles has got to be a boon to you both."

Celestia sighed. "The power of the peerage is the accumulated wealth of generations of ponies. The lords and ladies of the noble houses have resources that rival even the Royal resources and are a great deal more varied and certainly easier to quickly deploy. The Royal resources have to be approved through the lower House of Commons. Having representatives from the noble houses increases our access to these resources. Currently, about half of the noble houses have representatives in the Night Court and of those I'd say about half again are useful."

The quality of representation was a problem I'd noticed in the Night Court. Many noble houses simply didn't know what the Night Court offered to them that the Day Court didn't already do. Quite a few noble reps in the NIght Court could be best described as lip-service appointments. Younger sons and daughters with little pull if any in their respective houses. "So, I guess what you're saying is that this Moonlit Garden Party is of particular importance?" I said as I gently lowered the orbs back into Celestia's magical grasp.

She took the coated one last, and it blew up at the touch of her magic. I flinched away on instinct, but of course she paused the fragments in time to keep things safe. "Only if you over-think it. I believe there's a way to walk the line between tradition and fun."

Gazing at the frozen shard of floating glass, I shook my head. "Sometimes I wonder whether we have the same definitions of fun."

"Well, definitions aside, I'm going to go find Civil and talk to her. Her behavior has been erratic and there are a few things that are long overdue." Celestia announced, piecing the orb together as she spoke.

"Well, have fun with that," I said, dismissing myself from her quarters to have fun of my own.


Back in the balcony garden, Joe and I went over how to arrange deserts on the table. Luna's moonlit garden party was a scant few days away, after all.

Princess Celestia broke in, interrupting our conversation.

"I know you and her didn't get along, Blueblood, but Civil List collapsed today. She's in the hospital now, but the outcome is grim." In spite of everything I'd ever felt towards Civil, I wasn't prepared for this, nor was I prepared for her next question. "I have no right to ask you, but I can't face this alone. Will you please come with me? You don't have to say anything; I promise. Just walk me to the door."

"Of course. Joe, I'm sorry..," I started, but he waved me off.

"No, please. Go on." He urged.

Canterlot Royal Hospital was a fairly sizable, if somewhat unremarkable part of the Corona Royal campus. Medical facilities in the Royal Palace were mainly used as a triage; more serious conditions required the state of the art new facilities of the Royal Hospital. The hospital was close, but still a moderate walk. "I was in the process of confronting her on her behavior. Forgetting or even intentionally not telling you something that I directly ordered her to do was so unlike her. I should have realized... At any rate, from what the doctors say, she's been terminal for some time. Even since before she returned. She really did come back to try and reestablish her legacy."

I didn't know what to say to that. I flashed back to the argument we'd had at Night Court. And again at Joe's shop. The whole time, she had her own mortality in mind. Yet she couldn't bring herself to use it to her advantage. She hadn't even told Celestia! "I had no idea, Aunt Celestia..."

It took me a moment to realize she'd outpaced me. Hurrying to catch up, I barely heard her speaking. "I'm sure she kept it to herself for a reason."

Her pace was beginning to alarm me. There weren't many ponies around, aside from her personal guards. The guards were trotting to keep up. It was time to reign in the ruler. "Slow down Celestia, you don't want to attract undue attention."

She snorted. "I won't say who that reminds me of." Her comment normally would have bothered me, but considering the circumstances, I overlooked it. It helped that Celestia did slow down as I'd recommended. One of the Royal Guards flanking us gave me a thankful nod. I returned the gesture and we entered through the main entrance of the hospital.

The hospital staff was professional, but seeing the Crown Princess had an effect on even trained ponies. It took a moment and a word from the Royal Guard escorting us to convince the lobby staff that we didn't need any more ponies involved than necessary. Thankfully, the guards were trained on the layout of every major building in the Palace Campus, so we didn't need more than the room number.

Hospital beds had a way of making even great ponies look frail. For a slight mare, Civil List looked like she wouldn't be long for this world. Even so, her eyes focused on Celestia. "Please forgive me for disobeying your direct order, Princess. It slipped from my mind, and I'll admit that there's a history between us that made it easy for me to overlook him." Her voice was raspy, her breathing ragged. I stood still as a statue, frozen in her room's doorway.

Celestia shook her head. "You're on a hospital bed, Civ. I'm sure there were more important matters in your mind."

Civil nodded. "They told me a few days ago that my time was running short. In my hurry to try and mentor your current aide and Moon Dancer, well. It is no excuse. I should have seen to my duty."

Celestia shushed her and crossed to her bedside. "I should not have put so much on you in your return. As capable as you were in your prime; I had no right to expect such devotion. You have family, Civil. Your last days should have been with them."

Civil's sigh was interrupted by a fit of coughing. When she regained control of her breathing she shrugged. "Oddly enough, they want nothing to do with me. Oh sure, they'd come around if they thought I'd be gone tomorrow, but they have their own lives. It was easier for them to not have such a burden on their minds."

"Easier for them or for you?" I couldn't help but ask.

She looked at me in consideration before smiling. It was a ghost of her political smile, except her eyes were too worn and earnest to be vacant and pleasing. "Astute as you ever were. Yes, it was easier for me to just have them miss me after I'd gone."

She shifted again, her breathing once more growing more labored. "I've wasted my time. Nopony does things my way anymore. The Courts are much more informal. The servants and guards have much different priorities. Time holds still for no pony. Not even you princess."

"Then why come back at all? Rehabilitating your reputation at such a late stage? Was that really all you wanted to do?" I asked, disdain in my voice in spite of myself.

"I don't expect you to understand. Of all ponies, you never understood anything I did. What I tried to accomplish for you, through you. You took my gifts and squandered them." She leaned forward as she spoke, but Celestia leaned a hoof against her shoulder to keep her down.

"There was more to raising Blueblood than trying to gain accomplishments, Civil." Celestia's voice commanded respect, even from a pony so near the end.

"Civil, I...Maybe we..." How could I even be thinking of offering an olive branch to her? I wondered that for a long moment as the silence fell like a wall dividing us. It was to my great shock that Civil broke first.

She shook her head. "I should apologize to you both. Celestia, I should have been a better nurturing figure to your kin. Whether I believed your pronouncement or not, you chose him to be part of your family. You could have fostered him off on any noble house, but you kept him close at hoof. I should have been there to help you raise him in a loving, supportive manner. Mind you, that was not my forte. But for all the blame I cast on him, an even greater burden must rest with me."

She turned her head to me. "You may not believe me. I wouldn't blame you if you wished me ill. I took my frustrations out on you when I should have seen to your welfare. It seems inconceivable, but in my own mind I'd convinced myself what I was doing was right. It doesn't excuse what I've done. I have no right to ask you to forgive me."

"You never were good at asking." I reminded her. "So let me take a page from your book. I forgive you. Even if it took...this for you to say it, it means everything to me to hear this from you."

"I suppose you expected me to curse you with my last breath?" She chuckled, though the wheezing returned with a vengeance.

"Take it easy, Civil." Celestia implored.

"Yes, princess." Civil replied, some dry humor in her obedience. "I think I will." She closed her eyes and her breathing grew less labored, less erratic. I came into the room and held Civil's other hoof in my own. The princess and I looked at each other from across Civil's bed. Celestia's expression was plainly readable for one of the few times I could remember. Although, this time, I wished I couldn't read the pain in her eyes as clearly. It took Celestia and I both a few moments to realize that Civil List wasn't breathing anymore.

Prince Blueblood and Destiny

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I'd attended the odd funeral before, although it'd been awhile since the last one. One would reasonably guess that something about my past misconduct likely contributed to the lack of funeral invitations. And yes, I'll admit that I would have found the experience to be intolerable. As things were now, at Civil's funeral service in Celestia's solarium, I was just on the other side of intolerable. Celestia took my advice and didn't officiate this service herself. The head chaplain of the Palace Royal Guard stood at the podium, his tone sincere and kind when Civil's achievements and accolades were listed.

I'd honestly forgotten her titles and her most correct styling. Civil would've hated that. As a Baroness and Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Sun, Lady Civil List was given full rights and privileges. Her ashes lay inside a beautiful urn engraved with her full style and with symbols of the medals she'd earned and titles she'd held. The final resting place of the urn would be in the private mausoleum for Knights of the Order here, just beside the palace.

Macha Method stood near me, her old guard stance a comforting presence as Civil's casket passed by. Joe was on my other side, his presence not just comforting but an absolute necessity. Celestia and Luna were a row ahead of us, Celestia's unreadable face masking what I knew to be a storm of emotions. Shining Armor and Cadence were on Celestia's other side. As the casket exited the solarium, Celestia sat back down on the bench. Ponies had already begun to file out, while Civil's few relatives that attended made their way to Celestia to say their thanks and exchange condolences.

Celestia weathered through the empty words with near imperceptible detachment. By the end of the line, I could tell she was done. Looking over the heads of those around her, Celestia gestured towards me.

"Sister, this is neither the time nor the place," Luna whispered harshly. "You both have had a very long day."

"As have you. It is noon, after all. But I insist. I want to see some pony react to good news," Celestia countered.

Luna shook her head. "You know this is technically meddling in my House's affairs."

"Please." Celestia's voice was as close to a whine as I'd ever heard it. Luna gave a heavy sigh.

Luna huffed. "Fine. Blueblood, as this involves you, I want you to know clearly that I am not doing this on Celestia's orders. This was my idea and I wanted to wait until the party to announce it."

I shrugged. "Trading me back to Celestia?" I guessed.

"No," both sisters said in unison.

"I told you he'd think that," Luna reminded her sister.

Celestia shrugged. "Fine, so I owe you some of my favorite cake. Now get on with it before he guesses something worse." Celestia waved a hoof to hurry her sister along.

Luna spared another glare at Celestia before turning to me. "Blueblood, the responsibility of a Head of House is one that should always be taken seriously. In all matters of importance since you've joined my House, you have shown a willingness to work and fulfill your obligations and responsibilities. You've even taken on responsibilities that were not yours to bear and in doing so, brought honor and respect to my House. I can think of no better pony to run my House as I look to take over more matters of state."

I blinked, not quite getting what she was saying. "What?"

"You. I can think of no better pony than you." Luna punctuated her statement by pointing at me.

I blinked again. The weight of her words crashed on me all at once. "What!" I exclaimed.

Celestia looked around. Luckily, at this point we we're the only ones in the solarium besides the Royal Guards. "Perhaps you were right about timing."

Luna looked deeply into my eyes and rephrased her statement. "I am making you the Head of the House of the Night."

Exhaling, Luna smiled a bit before continuing. "Assuming you want the position. I mean, it does involve a bit of travel every so often to check on all the holdings. And there is all the paperwork and travel involved with Warrants of Approval that I haven't even begun to look into. Quite a few companies are looking to add our House's seal to their products and services. You'd have to regularly associate with said entrepreneurs and maintain good relationships with said ponies. Likely by traveling to certain locations and even scouting out some newer products and services. Did I mention traveling? You'd get to do a lot of traveling." Her grin had widened considerably as she spoke.

My ears had perked at the first mention of travel. Glancing around, I remembered to keep my decorum. "Well, I believe that sounds good."

It was Luna's turn to blink. "Your love of understatement is truly mind-boggling, nephew."

Celestia hugged her little sister. "Oh don't worry about him! He's practically prancing around on the inside. Aren't you, Blue?" Without waiting for a response, she drew me into the hug as well.

As the hug subsided, Luna embraced me on her own. Satisfied, the princesses departed off to their respective wings of the castle to recover. The reception after the funeral was already underway, but the royalty wasn't expected to attend this function. By longstanding tradition, this was an occasion for the family, friends and colleagues of the departed. I felt a bit out of place at first, but Macha and Joe made me feel at ease. My entrance attracted attention and a token show of respect from most attendees. Removing myself to one side, I sent Macha to collect the pony I'd most wanted to speak to since I'd recognized him at the service.

Civil's son, Check List, approached and was formally introduced. He was nothing like his mother, his smile looked a bit pinched but sincere. His sky blue mane was longer than his mother's mane was and his cream coat, while well-tended, was shaggier than the current style allowed for. As Civil’s baroness title was lifetime and not hereditary, it wouldn’t pass to him. Not that I think he was too terribly bothered by that idea.

"Mr. List, I'd like to extend my condolences to you and your family," I said, extending a hoof.

Check smiled wryly and took my hoof. "Your Highness, thank you for your condolences. Now, can we speak like real ponies?"

I looked at him, startled but not showing it. "Sure," I replied, almost automatically sensing something else from Check.

"My mother was a driven, successful mare, but she knew absolutely nothing about raising a family." Check List's words were as blunt as his mother's had been subtle.

My own smile broke and a small laugh erupted before I caught hold of it. "Well, then we're both truly kindred spirits after all. I knew Civil List as a makeshift nanny, tutor and an advisor. But I can't say I ever saw her nurturing side."

Check shrugged. "She didn't have one. I'd heard she had a part in your upbringing after her marriage with my father fell apart. I'd always hoped she'd done a better job with you than she did with us."

"Are your siblings here?" I asked.

Check shook his head. "I'm the oldest and the only one that would show up. She practically drove off my younger sister, and my little brother is taking care of my father in Vanhoover. He never got over having to divorce her and he didn't want to make a scene here."

I couldn't help but feel sad about these revelations. "I suppose that's exactly why I wanted to see you. I'd always hoped there was a better part of her she didn't share with me."

"Nopony is bad through and through. I expect my mother had her reasons." Check looked away before turning back to continue. "She definitely had her good moments and her career is proof enough of that. You don't become the top advisor to the princess without gaining something along the way. But the world she lived in didn't have room in it for the little things. By your permission, Your Highness, I'd like to exit her world as soon as possible."

I nodded. "I'd rather not live in her world, either. I'm making steps to change that world for myself. Please, let me know if there is anything I can do for you or your family. She may not have been a great caretaker, but there are many things the crown owes her that we would like to repay," I said, bowing my head in farewell.

"Good luck to you in your endeavors, Your Highness." Check List bowed as well and walked away.

"I think I needed that." Joe reached a hoof around my shoulders and hugged me sidelong. "I don't think this is closure, but it's as close as I'll get."


That night, Joe sat on the edge of my bed and watched me as I prepared for a night's sleep. It was almost a ritual at this point: after showering and going through my mane-treatment routine, I came out and sat in front of my vanity. It took a variety of products to maintain my looks, and it took a variety of others to undo the image I'd created so that I could sleep like a normal pony. As I dragged my brush slowly through my mane, Joe crossed the room and took it from me. He went marginally faster than I'd been doing, but he was far more thorough and ultimately it was pure bliss having him help me this way.

As my coat was still a bit damp from the shower, he stood me up and fetched a new towel to dry me off. His hooves on my coat, even in such a chaste manner, was enough to warm me up. I shook out my head and legs as he finished, celebrating in the glow of his attention. He sat me back down and massaged my neck and back for a while as I tried not to make a ridiculous amount of noise. Not that he'd make fun of me, but I was feeling acutely self-aware as I stared at my own reflection.

I leaned back as I was feeling more loose and he leaned down to kiss me upside-down. As he set his hooves on my face to admire me, i noticed that his hooves were looking a bit worn.

Taking hold of one hoof, I switched places with him. Sitting him in front, I grabbed the hoof ointment and began massaging it into his forehooves. His hooves were just a touch bigger than mine, the muscles above them more developed from years of kneading dough. Joe smiled, his genuine eyes reminding me of the effect we had on each other.

Turning him around, I picked up his rear hooves and massaged the ointment into those as well. They were a touch more worn than the forehooves. Whatever else was going on, Joe was not paying great attention to the little details. But I could hardly fault him, as he'd done so much in the last few days just for me. Joe tried to hide his enjoyment, but his eyes couldn't lie. I smiled broadly, taking note in just what spots to hit to get him to let go of another sigh. I caught my reflection in the mirror and barely recognized myself. There I was: sitting on the floor of my own room, with another pony's hooves in mine as I massaged them.

Music started to play softly as Joe set the record player on. He'd done it with just a touch of magic, without me noticing. Looking back at him, I took hold of his forehooves once again and we stood on our hind legs. Wrapping our forelegs around each other, we slowly swayed to the tune. With a flick of magic, I turned the volume up. Moonlight Serenade flowed around us as we shuffled around.

Joe leaned his head towards mine and we shared a small kiss. I broke away first and laid my cheek against his. We danced on for a few more measures while Joe played with my mane. I massaged the back of his neck idly. He led us to the side of the bed and we fell into it together, tangled in each other's limbs.

We rolled away from each other, exhaustion playing through both of us as we heaved and sighed. "Do you believe in destiny?" I asked as I caught my breath.

A few huffs later, Joe answered, "I believe that we are given talents that we must either ignore or explore. We have freedom to choose to make changes in our lives. There must be a way to move beyond your limitations, whatever they are."

"You don't think that our lives are laid out for us?" I asked, gesturing idly with a hoof.

Joe scooted closer so that our sides were touching. "No, I don't. There are too many little things that have to happen in order for the big things to come into place. Some ponies might find it comforting that there's some great force in the universe that makes everything make sense. I find it comforting that there isn't."

I furrowed my brow. "What do you mean?"

He turned over to face me. "In what universe would my destiny lead me to you? No baker ever catches the heart of a Prince."

I rolled onto my side. "You did. I stumbled into your hooves and you schemed your way into my heart."

Joe snorted. "I think I should be offended by that."

"What? Do you know how many ponies have schemed into a position where they could try and court me? Not that I fault you, mind you. I am a magnificent specimen of stallionhood." I said, playfully brushing off a shoulder.

Joe tapped my forehead. "Are you for real? Do you really think that I used my favor with Luna to try and weasel my way into your heart?"

I opened my mouth to make another snide remark, but caught the hurt in his eyes. Closing my mouth, I thought about it. "So you had no ulterior motives for helping me out by suggesting I serve in your shop?"

Joe opened his mouth to issue a hasty denial. But then he closed it again. After a moment, he sighed. "You were miserable. I hated seeing any pony like that. And then, you refused to defend yourself. I wanted to make sure things got better for you. So, I invoked the old rule by stretching the definition of saving the life of a noble and had you work with me. My ulterior motive was only to see you happy. I fell in love with you later."

Penitent Prince Placed in Position of Power. by Life Story.
While official channels remain silent in the unexpected wake of Lady Civil List's passing, word in the castle has it that Prince Blueblood, former playboy prince and current beau of donutier Pony Joe, is poised to take a place of prominence in Her Royal Highness Princess Luna's inner circle. The exact position is unclear, although it is noted that Princess Luna operates with much less staff than does her sister.

Canterlot is still abuzz at the reveal of Prince Blueblood's sudden announcement establishing his romantic relationship with the donut king of Equestria. Traditionalists amongst the nobility have been unusually quiet, as the pair seem to have the blessing of both rulers. Progressive ponies in the peerage are much more outspoken. Lady Fleur de Lis and Lord Fancy Pants were quick to extend their congratulations, although shrewd palace sources are quick to note that both nobles are looking to lay an anchor in the Night Court.

Thanks to the efforts of Princess Luna in rebuilding the cadre of artists she calls her 'children' and one well-received monument in the Crystal Empire during their last big celebration, the Night Court is riding a wave of positive press. That Prince Blueblood is partially involved in reviving not only his own reputation, but that of his new Noble House, is something that even the most optimistic amongst court-watchers would have called unbelievable.

With a Moonlit Garden Party set to take place soon, the House of the Night is set to take its place in the Canterlot social calendar. Time will tell how far these noble ponies can go in their endeavors, but if there's one thing anypony knows when it comes to the Royal Family, it's that the sky is the limit!

It was a small feature, tucked to the side of the front page. Life Story seemed to have an ear in a few corners of the palace, given the scoop he'd been able to put together. For my part, I resisted the urge to curse the red-coated devil. The pressure to perform well at the garden party was already high!

Joe put a hoof on top of my newspaper and none-too-carefully moved it away from breakfast. Had we not been dining in one of the private royal dining rooms, he'd likely have pushed it off the table and onto the floor. "What are you getting so worked up about? Everypony involved in this event wants it to succeed. We all want to put you and Luna in the best light."

"I know!" I snapped, only just managing to keep from snapping out more. I picked up my glass of orange juice and took a long pull.

Joe took the opportunity to get a word in. "Look, everything is taken care of. Dr. Turner even took care to make sure you and the Fields family interact as little as possible. Let's go out and eat." Joe drummed a hoof on the table. "Delmaneco's is good this time of year."

I crinkled my nose and adjusted the napkin on my lap. "Isn't that where we had our first fight?"

Joe gave me a strange look before he looked away. His eyes fixated on a spoon as he spoke. "Still sorry about that."

I waved a hoof. "You don't need to..."

He held up a hoof. "The place means a lot to me. Patri delManeco was one of my first investors. He helped me go from donut stand to donut shop and networked me with good ponies to expand my business. I'm not saying everything he does is on the level, but he's got a good heart. I went to school with his son, too. Erede used to get pushed around when we were foals. It took a lot to get him to stand up for himself."

I lowered my ears. "Sorry, I didn't know them quite so personally."

Joe shook his head. "No, that's fine. I just hope it can be someplace good for you too. I'd hate for it to always be associated with a fight."

I sighed, turning to see Raven, Celestia's personal assistant, entering the room. "Looking for something?" I asked.

"Somepony, actually." Her eyes turned to Joe. "I received some bad news from the royal guard. Joe, your shop was vandalized this morning. Somepony broke the front window. As far as they can tell, nothing was stolen."

Joe was up before I knew it. He took a half-step away before turning back around. I waved him off. "Go take care of it. Let's try a new place tonight, my treat."

As Joe hugged me and walked out, I felt uneasy. Trying to shrug the feeling off, I turned to Raven. "Speaking of which. Can you recommend someplace new?"

Raven looked as if she wanted to roll her eyes. "I suppose there is a new place that specializes in Southeastern cuisine. Owner's names are Cumin and Masala, I think."

The region was known for one thing. "Spicy? Perfect. I'll burn out this bad feeling I'm getting," I said. I turned and grabbed a pen and paper from the sideboard in my magic and drew it close. "Let's get some directions."


By some small miracle, Joe's shop really was just vandalized. The window was already replaced, because of course Joe knew the guy who did glasswork.

We sat in the colorful, if earthy, southeastern restaurant and looked about at the decor. The place was called Tasty Treat, and the father-daughter team who ran it were quite charming in their unique way.

Just as the waitress was about to take our order, a brick flew through the flower shaped window on the front door. As the street beyond was a bit darker, only a faint cloaked shape could be seen.

I jumped up and ignited my horn immediately, my common sense having completely left me. Running out the door, I saw a bit of cloak turn the corner. I focused on the need to find the pony who did this and my horn color changed. I could nearly see the pony in my mind's eye.

Giving chase, I was vaguely aware of hoof falls behind me. As we rounded the next labyrinthine corner, I stopped abruptly. There were several cloaked ponies in this alley. And I blocked the one visible exit.

"Oops."

Prince Blueblood and Civility

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"Prince Blueblood, your ignorance and vulgarity have come to an end." The hood of the cloaked pony closest to me fell back, revealing the face of a vaguely familiar pony. I wracked my brain to try and remember where I knew him from.

The ponies formed a semi-circle behind the leader. Taking a step back, I felt a chill behind me. Glancing back, I saw a wall of ice form behind me.

"Things would have been easier for you had you just listened to Civil List. May she rest in peace." The leader said.

The sentiment was entirely lost on me, given the circumstances. "What are you talking about? What do you want with me?"

Cocking his head, the leader glared at me before sighing. "You have no idea who I am, do you?" His smile didn't match the hardness in his eyes.

"Should I?" I asked.

The earth pony smiled. "I was once instructed to flog you like a common thug. I may have lost my position as my lady's driver that night, but I didn't lose very much face in certain circles."

Lady Fields' driver! I shook my head. "I never spoke in my own defense. If you were fired by Lady Fields..."

He pulled a riding crop from under his cloak and flexed it meaningfully. "I was fired by her head of house. Lord Fields. My lady told him everything of the encounter and he took the preventative measure of discharging me from his service."

It had been some time since I'd been physically harmed. I was not eager to relive the experience. There had to be a way to de-escalate the situation. "Right. Like I said. I didn't get you fired. So all the petty vandalism and...whatever this is...have nothing to do with me."

"This isn't about me being fired." He pointed the crop at me. "This is about you being an alcoholic, a pervert, and a danger to the traditions of ponykind."

I exhaled slowly and centered myself. Aside from the leader, there were three other ponies. From the outlines of their cloaks, they were all unicorns. I didn't know their capabilities, but Traditionalist Unicorns tended to know their way around a magic spellbook. The ice wall behind me was really starting to freeze my tail.

That small discomfort brought a solution to mind. If the ice was freezing me out, it was warming up. The wind wasn't particularly strong, not the least because of the shelter of the building around the alley. So I'd need to help the ice thaw to a point that I could smash through it. Feeling the place where my magic was in my head, I cast a small spell. The glow from my horn was faint, and it stopped as soon as I let the spell go. Unfortunately, I had to wait a bit before I could act.

"How am I any of those things?" I asked, nonchalantly. I lifted a hoof to count off the points with which I disagreed. "I don't think I've even had a drink in quite some time. I've actually really cut down on sex as well. And which traditions are we talking about? Because last I checked being the Head of the House of the Night is a very old tradition that I intend to do full honor in returning."

His scowl intensified. "The House of the Night is an abomination! Ponies may have forgotten the terror of Nightmare Moon, but our libraries haven't! Since her return, the old stories have been passed back around on the lips of those who kept that knowledge. Celestia may think that the Elements of Harmony purified her little sister, but she places too much faith in those Elements. Evil isn't an easy thing to be rid of."

I shrugged. "And Celestia has failed before," I said, surprising myself. Not because it wasn't true, but I just didn't feel the same level of satisfaction as I'd felt before. A small part of me recognized that as progress before the other part of me reminded me of the actual danger I was in.

One of his compatriot's horn charged. I'd actually not been focused on the other ponies. The other two remained still. "Don't you dare insult Princess Celestia, trash! You were not worthy to even be in the same house as her!" His accent was unmistakably Prench.

An idea formed about the true nature of my would-be assailants, although I really had no way to take them all on. Concentrating on the matter at hoof, I raised my eyebrows and lifted both hooves placatingly. "I was just agreeing with you. So, you want to do what exactly? Overthrow the crown?"

The former driver snorted. His compatriot's glow dimmed, apparently they were quite content to talk all about this scheme. I was shocked none of the others had chimed in. Or moved. "Obviously not! We want the abdication of Nightmare Moon! We also want you to disappear. We've been attacking any business with ties to or royal grants from the Night Court. Soon, Luna will have no friends at either court."

"Between having a former employee of the Fields and what I can assume to be a member of the Noblesse des Fleurs?" The muffled Prench curse was all the confirmation I needed. "I can see that you might have powerful friends. Or maybe you're just acting on your own."

The driver huffed. "You haven't taken into account our friends."

"Your friends who still haven't moved." I noted. "This is so amateur hour."

The driver looked to his Prench ally. "I told you moving them would help."

The Prench pony shot back. "And I told you that would take too much energy. We still need to subdue him and make sure he stays awake." He levitated a syringe and pointed it in my direction.

With that admission, I bucked the ice wall behind me. It shattered as the heating spell I'd put on it had weakened it. On a whim, I grabbed a few chunks of ice and hurled them magically at the ringleader and ponies who hadn't moved. All went down with a clatter. A very wooden clatter. Lighting my horn, I saw that two of the three background ponies had been nothing but props. The other unicorn had deflected the ice, although his syringe broke as a result, and was making a break for it up the side of a building on ice steps. One full-strength melting charm settled his makeshift staircase. The conspirator dropped to the ground gracelessly.

The former driver had ducked the ice chunk and closed the distance as I was distracted. He struck me full strength across the face with his crop. The pain was eye-watering. He stuck an inhibitor ring on my horn and grabbed me around the neck. "Your Highness, you are coming with me."

"Not likely!" I spat back, briefly considering getting my hooves dirty.

Before I could, the former driver struck me again several times, this time with his hoof on the other side of my face. The shots rang my bell, I'd been fully exposed and defenseless. My knees buckled.

Fortunately, I didn't have to, another pony struck first. A blur of blue and purple struck the former driver clean on the jaw. It was enough to daze him, and a second stallion grabbed me and half-dragged me out of the alley. I realized as I looked back that my hero was one of Princess Luna's House Guards. The second hero was a two tone brown pony.

"The ring, take the ring off." I said. The young stallion complied, as a small explosion echoed from the alley behind us. He pushed me down behind a crate and looked around the corner. Without a word, he took the inhibitor ring and headed back into the fray.

It seemed my unicorn foe wasn't down just yet.

Joe appeared out of nowhere and raced to me as another cracking explosion shook the alley. He dove over to me and assessed my condition.

"Can you stand?" He asked, wincing as he held my chin up and inspected my face.

"Not with you on top of me," I pointed out drily.

As another blast went off, a city guard unicorn ran by. Hopefully between the three of them, one of my rescuers would get that inhibitor on the unicorn before he blasted his way half to Tartarus. A series of small blasts seemed to indicate otherwise.

"How about managing a moving shield?" Joe asked.

I shook my head. Even that gesture made it spin. "Too much adrenaline. Think I'm getting a little shocky. Can't do magic. Shields aren't my thing anyway. How's it going out there?"

Joe peeked around the corner and ducked back in as more blasts rang out. "That civilian pony is landing punches on an earth pony thug , but is still fighting. The unicorn is casting blind. He's bleeding into his eyes. The guards are taking direct hits, but the armor is nullifying most of the damage. We can move."

I really wanted out. "Need to move. Can't have you on me. Get me out of here."

"Okay, can do. I'm not that great at shields either, but here we go." As we set off down the alley, a humongous explosion knocked us off our hooves. Apparently, our enemies weren't done with us.

The Prench unicorn ran towards us, all the other ponies, including his partner, we're down. The crate that was our cover was gone. If we'd been right next to it, I'm sure we would have been gone as well. Joe sent castfire bolts at the unicorn, but they were deflected. His horn charged and a complicated looking glyph appeared in the air in a reddish glow. The glyph solidified into a disc and shot towards Joe. Joe cast a shield, but the disc merely slowed, groaning with a near-metallic sounding grating as it tried to saw through the shield. Joe redoubled his efforts and deflected the curse. It struck a brick wall and left a sooty smear.

I charged my horn, pushing through the pain, but came up empty still. For a moment, I took a breath and lamented that my special skill wasn't something more combat related. Before I could finish that thought, a second disc sawed through the shield and struck Joe in the chest. He fell in a heap, eyes open and moving, but otherwise immobilized.

Panting, I charged my horn again and succeeded in shooting a stray brick at the Prench unicorn. The distraction was enough for his glyph to go awry. Another sooty smear hit the wall. As the unicorn charged his horn again, the ring slipped over his horn, canceling out the magic. As his hooves went up to reach for the ring futilely, the brown earth pony kicked him in the gut. As the Prench unicorn bent over, the earth pony jumped over the assailant’s back, putting the villain between himself and the two guards who were fast approaching. The earth pony reached around the Prench ponies neck and held his opponent’s head up as he put his own down. Before the unicorn could attempt to pull free, he was struck in the head by both guards.

Without a sound, he collapsed.

The next few moments went by in a blur. There were guards and medics and before I knew it, Princess Luna herself. Somehow we'd gotten to the hospital on the Royal palace campus. I vaguely remember answering quite a few questions, while back group of guards stood by to get direct orders. As I told my story, every once in a while a guard would be sent off to handle some facet or another. Eventually, I just stopped answering and Joe held me. Perhap the haze over these memories was due to the exhaustion, or shock, or the blows to my face, or maybe all of the above. I didn't care.

To be frank, I cared mostly about my face in that moment. I was assured by a pony applying salve that there would be minimal scarring. The minimal part scared me.

Joe had fallen asleep on my hospital bed. Aunt Luna sat at my bedside. I was sure there were guards posted at my door and likely all throughout the hospital. Turning to speak, I cleared my throat. Looking over her copy of Celerity, my aunt quirked a brow in interest.

"We should still go forward with with the garden party." I said, surprising my aunt with what must have been my first words in quite some time.

"Tensions have risen to a high point with the griffon kingdoms. To hold a social event in this political climate would not set a good example. We will celebrate the flower's blooming in private." Luna turned to the magazine in her hoof and sighed. She seemed to be looking at it without looking at it.

"Do you know the house guard who saved me?" I asked, interested. "And the civilian and city guard?"

"They will be by to visit in the morning. You should get some rest." Luna reminded me.

I lit my horn and tugged the magazine away. "What don't I know?"

Luna sighed. "Without putting too fine a point on it; a lot. But in this particular case..."

I smiled and laughed, startling Luna and hurting my bruised face. Sighing, I turned back to face her. "In this case?"

She smiled as well. "The only pony I didn't know beforehoof was the city guard and the former driver. And I'm quite bothered by that."

"Understandably." I agreed. "Who was the Prench pony?"

Luna sighed and folded her magazine. "You're really not going to sleep without getting into this now?" I believed my expression was sufficient enough. Luna shrugged and continued, "He was one of Fleur's cousins. Fairly distant. Mostly unimportant."

"Fleur isn't an avowed traditionalist. She's a model, for...your sake." I said, deciding against using Luna's name in vain.

She rolled her eyes at the substitution and went on. "I don't think she's the one behind this."

"I went public with my relationship. The traditionalists seem to be very against it."

"Does it bother you?"

"I've had their attention since I was young. I was the subject of made up scandals before I ever set hoof in the palace. After I left Celestia's house, I could have gone anywhere and done anything and I would have mildly annoyed a few fuddy-duddy ponies. Now that I have your ear and am working to help increase the goodwill of your House, I'm a threat."

"That makes me a threat as well. I have a terrible thing to ask of you." Luna looked away.

I thought for a moment. "You can't handle the in-fighting. Not when there's the chance of a war with the griffons."

Luna looked back, her gaze sturdy but only just. "You don't have to. This could very well have been just an isolated incident from two radicalized, minority voice members of an increasingly minority party."

I beckoned her closer and she complied. I took one of her hooves in both of mine. "Neither of us believe that."

Her expression was answer enough.

I let her hoof go. "You don't have to ask me. You handle your war. I'll handle mine."

Prince Blueblood and Perception

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Joe came to a few minutes after my conversation with Aunt Luna. She bowed out gracefully, leaving instructions with the guard posted at my door that I was not to be disturbed. Joe got up out of the bed and stretched out. I was hooked up to a few machines so the best I could do was adjust the bed into a reclined sitting position. I wasn’t crazy with him moving out of hoof’s reach, but his expression was unfeigned worry.

He was the first to speak. “Blueblood, I love you. That was the scariest thing that ever happened to someone I love.” His hooves wrapped around one of mine and he held on tight. Taking my other hoof to caress his face, I pulled him in for a small kiss.

We pulled back slightly, foreheads still pressed together on one side and horns crossed. “Seeing you fall to that spell was the scariest part for me.” I said, after a moment to let the memory of Joe falling to the ground pass me.

He kissed my cheek. “I’m sorry I got hit.”

I tapped his nose gently. “Don’t apologize for something like that.”

He drew back and looked at me, then the bed and the room around us. He walked a small circle and turned back to face me. “What’s the plan for the future?” Joe asked quietly, almost as if he was afraid to ask.

Hearing the tone of his voice, I looked into his eyes. It was the question we hadn’t really dared to answer. We were public as a couple, I was rising to become the Acting Head of a reestablished Royal House, and I’d just been attacked by what could very well be the first of many security nightmares.

“I take it you won’t be coming over to my place for a while.” He stated it rather than asking. It dawned on me just how much I meant to him. Perhaps it was the emotionally charged day I’d had, but I really wanted him closer to me. He’d been by my side all night and I had an almost physical need to hold him.

Of course I couldn’t just admit it, so I shrugged and waved him closer. He sat back in his chair, but leaned back out of reach. “I refuse to let this incident change my life so drastically. I might have to bring a few House Guards with me, but I’ll go where I want to go. To do otherwise would be to let them win.” I waved again.

He scooted his chair closer, yet still out of reach. “Celestia and Luna are okay with that?” He asked, the flicker of hope catching into a fire in his eyes.

“I’m going to have to fight to stay visible, stay positive and stay in a position of authority.” I reached a hoof out, trying to ignore the tingle in my nose and the warmth rising to my eyes. “I will fight to stay with you as well. You proved beyond any doubt that you’d do the same for me today.”

I pulled his hoof, and he stood up reluctantly. Scooting over, I encouraged him back onto the bed beside me. He resisted a little, but gave in when I started pulling more insistently. His face broke into a half-smile as we cuddled against each other. Brushing a strand of hair out of my face, he kissed me again.

“You’re very affectionate tonight,” I observed.

He rested his chin on the top of my head, careful to avoid my horn. “Can you blame me?” He asked, his throat bumping and vibrating against the side of my face in a way just this side of painful considering my bruises.

Pushing his chin off my head, I kissed his cheek. “I suppose I can’t.”

It was late, we were exhausted in more ways than one. We fell asleep in each other’s hooves. I wouldn’t say that the hospital normally allowed this, but nopony disturbed us.

We woke up and made it through a few checks and conversations with the nurses and doctors on duty. These all passed in a blur as I was mostly focused on getting out and going home.

Of course, there was one matter of honor that couldn’t wait. My rescuers would be meeting with me before I left the hospital.

I’d outright refused to be seen in my hospital room, so I was wheeled over to an empty conference room (silly overprotective hospital rule) to meet my rescuers. Unfortunately, with the war looming, I hadn’t had time to talk with Aunt Luna about some sort of reward. I wasn’t without my own resources. Even if I went in with empty hooves I could find a way to suitably compensate them.

“You’ve got to be kidding.” It was a slip in protocol. Given that I recognized a certain red and black coated unicorn entering alongside the civilian and two guards who’d rescued me, I had to give myself some leeway. Talk about a small city.

“Guess I have to turn down that article. Now I’m much too personally involved to be objective,” Life Story remarked as he walked up with two of my protectors.

“What?” I asked, to Joe’s amusement. Bastard actually chuckled at my exasperation.

Life smiled. “Your Highness, may I present my husband, Sogni Divolare and our son, Bruiser.”

I shook my head as I shook their hooves. “Don’t tell me that city guard was your sister?”

The guard in question sidled up alongside the young stallion. I reached out and shook her hoof as well. “Thankfully not. These stallions all have horrible reputations for troublemaking.”

Bruiser piped up, brows knitted in irritation. “Hey, we pulled somepony else out of trouble. Trouble we didn’t even cause!”

I directed my attention to the House Guard Div. “Please excuse Princess Luna’s absence. The Princesses are busy making preparations for the...unpleasantness to come. I owe you a great debt. You, your son, and...I’m sorry, what was your name?” I asked, turning back to the City Guard.

She had the grace to blush. “My apologies, Your Highness, I am Carnelian Ripple.”

Her name sounded like something out of the Crystal Empire, but her coat wasn’t gleaming like polished stone. “Might I ask a personal question?”

She smiled and spoke, “Crystal ponies don’t always gleam. Especially outside of the Capitol City and away from the Crystal Heart.”

I felt there was likely more to that, but it wasn’t my place at the moment to meddle. “I see. You are all looking well. I’m glad to see that; the explosions last night had me worried I’d gotten ponies killed several times over.”

Carnelian looked to her compatriots before speaking. “Well, it wasn’t pretty work, Your Highness, but that driver and the Prench pony were outclassed against two guards and a junior boxer.”

“Well, as I said, I am in your debt. If there is anything I can do...” I left the end of the sentence hanging, none of my rescuers seemed particularly keen on naming their boon.

Div spoke up, “Your Highness, forgive me, but it is incorrect to say that you are in my debt. I swore an oath when I became a guard, and another when I joined the House Guard. I’m duty-bound. And, not to put too fine a point on it, but I was assigned to your security detail that night anyway.”

I drew up an eyebrow. Royal Favor wasn’t something so easily attained, nor would it be easy to dismiss.

Before I could speak, Carnelian put in her two cents, “I have to agree with my colleague. I was the closest city guard on duty. Any of the city guards would have done the same.”

Briefly, both eyebrows were raised. Settling down to a more neutral expression, I crossed one forehoof over the other. “I am within my rights to Knight all three of you, you know. The Head of the House of the Night is also the head of several orders of chivalry.”

The guards paled, and the civilian beamed. Bruiser poked his red-coated father. “How does Sir Bruiser sound?”

Life Story looked equal parts pleased and dismayed. “The more usual custom I think is just an award for bravery.”

Nodding, I turned to smile at Joe before facing them again. “I’ll have to discuss this further with my aunts, of course. Luna in particular would know what our House’s highest civilian and military awards would be.”

Life’s eyes flashed. “The Great Lunar Crescent and the Moon Medallion. I came across mention of those awards in some records from the Crystal Empire.”

I nodded. Leave it to a writer to find the most obscure bit of information. “Then we’ll set a date for a proper award ceremony. Before that, I also am inviting you to a little get-together at the palace. And I think I’ll have another opportunity to discuss with you by then as well.” I said, eyes resting on the two guardsponies.

“You’re too kind, Your Highness,” Div demurred.

I resisted the urge to laugh. Kindness was not an element I’d ever been accused of having before. Well, at least not earnestly.

“My thanks to you again, may you have a safe return.” The four ponies bowed and departed.

“Do I even want to know what you’re planning?” Joe asked.

“Right now all I’m planning is to have you wheel me to the door, walk to the carriage and go home to Luna’s wing of the palace,” I replied.

“Well, then let’s get you downstairs and out the door.” He got behind and steered the chair out and to the elevator.

Passing the nurse’s station on the ground floor, we nodded and waved to the head nurse. Thankfully, we reached the door without any issues and I set hoof on the pavement. A handsome, yet reasonably appointed carriage awaited. Aside from the armored PLHG members pulling it, it could have belonged to anypony.

Joe helped me in, a gallant if unnecessary gesture. Stepping in after me, he closed the door and we were off.

“Are you still worried about your face?” Joe asked bluntly.

I sighed, realizing he’d picked the perfect moment to ask. I couldn’t go anywhere. “Yes,” I replied sullenly. If everything didn’t hurt unless I used a neutral expression, I’d have pouted.

Mentally, I took stock of how I looked. It had only been every twenty minutes that I’d fussed with the three bandages on my face. One bandage on my forehead that covered a nasty looking abrasion, another on my right cheek covering a nasty looking cut, and a third on my chin to cover a small, yet nasty looking split. Thankfully, they were able to use a high quality medical grade glue to seal the cuts and covered the abrasion in a mix meant to encourage healing and decrease scarring.

“I’ve been beaten up before. And if anything does become permanent, I could always use a bit of creative makeup to conceal it. Or a glamour spell to cover it.” I’d rehearsed that in my head all morning. It was as much to convince myself as it was to convince others.

Joe, of course, was not convinced. His eyes communicated that, even though he didn’t say anything. I’d have to remember to train him to school his features in public. His face was too honest.

He shook his head and changed the subject
“I looked at the papers this morning. Only the mention of two unicorns fighting two guards, one city and one PLHG, made it in to the third page. No mention of an attempted kidnapping. Or princenapping.”

Shrugging, I made a guess. “Aunt Luna must have pulled a few strings to keep it quiet. The last thing the Crown or the Guard needs at the moment is the idea that the royalty isn’t safe.”

“So, is the royalty safe?” Joe asked.

I looked outside. The buildings of the Corona District passed by; the Supreme Court, the School for Gifted Unicorns, The Royal Guard Command Center. “Nopony is ever truly safe. But I will definitely be smarter. I think it’s time I had my own dedicated guards.”

“Aren’t the Princess Luna House Guards yours as well?” Joe asked.

I shook me head. “I don’t mean forming a full-sized unit. Two guards, two shifts during the week. Shorter shifts when I stay at the palace and longer if I stay with you. As long as you don’t mind having two guards around.”

Joe shrugged. “You’re the loud one in bed.”

In spite of the pain, I laughed. My face burned from embarrassment at the thought. “Well, we’ll have to work something out. Maybe have them patrol around the yard.”

Joe smirked and before I could cut him off, he interjected, “And what if we want to do it in the yard?”

We both laughed at that. “Alright, enough. You’re going to break my face. Besides, when have we ever done that outside?”

Joe moved over and put a hoof around my shoulders. “There’s always time for a first.”

I placed a hoof on his chest and pressed down. “You’re incorrigible. Just awful, you know?”

“I know. And I know you love it.”

Luckily, the carriage came to a stop at one of the side entrances closest to Luna’s wing of the palace.

At the top of the stairs leading to the entrance, Dr. Turner waited. He had his nose in a clipboard of notes. I steeled myself for the onslaught of duties I had to go through to get to my suite.

“Alright doctor, lay it on me. What have I got to do?” I asked, mostly failing to keep the exhaustion from my voice.

Dr. Turner looked up and smiled. “Not a thing, Your Highness. I’ve taken a few liberties with regards to your schedule. Your aunt’s flower blooms tomorrow.”

“Speaking of which, I need you to make sure my rescuers and their guests are on the list for that gathering.”

“Your aunt told me the same thing. It’s handled. I’ve also made sure to cover any expenses they would incur from last night, which wasn’t much considering they were guards and the son of a guard. But they got a carriage ride home as well, on you. You’ve been invited to a junior boxing tournament neit month. That came from the head of the boxing commission. Bruiser will be competing that night, but we’ve been asked to keep it a surprise.”

“That’ll be fun. Anything else?”

Turner nodded his head. “Just two more things. I’ve blacked out your schedule for the next three days except for that Her Royal Highness Princess Luna requires your presence tonight to discuss your security. And of course the flower watching tomorrow night.”

I nodded. “I have a few ideas for her already on that security note. Thank you, Dr. Turner.”

Turner nodded his head at me and stepped aside. The guard at the door opened it for Joe and I. A Princess Luna’s House Guard just inside the door fell into step with us at a respectful distance. It seemed my security would be tight even in the palace.

My suite in Luna’s Wing had a PLHG posted at the door. “There isn’t another one of you in my bathroom, is there?”

The guard looked at me strangely and then looked forward. “No, Your Highness. Until further notice, there are to be two guards at your door when you occupy it. When you leave, one guard will accompany you.”

“I noticed as much already. Are you supposed to open the door for me or is this one okay for me to touch?”

The guard behind me made a noise that sounded suspiciously like a snort. I turned to look at him. “Excuse me, Your Highness. The door has been magicked to only allow you to open it. Just place a hoof on the door and it will open for you.”

I tapped the door and it opened, glowing softly golden. “Thank you, guardsponies. As you were.”

Leading Joe inside, the door closed itself behind us.

Prince Blueblood and Publicity

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The knocking on my door was insistent. Finally, I gave my consent. Dr. Turner bustled in, carrying a scroll with the seal of Equestria stamped on the bottom. “Your Highness, forgive the intrusion but there is something you must know. The nobles are at this moment attending Night Court...”

I couldn’t help but insert a dry comment. “As per usual. But Luna didn’t expect me at Court, just that I’d meet her for a late dinner, correct?”

“Considering the declaration of war is still freshly signed, Lord Fair Fields began Court by pledging allegiance to Princess Luna,” Dr. Turner said. “The other lords, ladies and attendees took their turns to do so as well.”

Joe sighed. “Well, that’s annoying. I suppose it would look bad if you didn’t show up?”

I nodded. I’d only read about this in history books, so I’d never paid much attention. It was a tradition in the old times to reaffirm the oaths during times of war. Lord Fair Fields was the older brother of Heather Fields and son of Lord Fields. Was this move in response to the declaration alone or was it a calculated move to assure loyalty after my attack? It was truly the first time I’d had to question loyalty amongst any in the Night Court. To be honest, it reminded me too much of my time in Celestia’s Court.

“What’s on the scroll?” I asked Turner.

He unrolled it on my vanity desk. “The last form of allegiance oath known from the time that both Princesses held the thrones at the Castle of the Two Sisters.”

I sat in front of my mirror to look it over as I took off the bandages. Joe sat beside me, taking the soiled bandages in his magic and dumping them in the trash can nearby. I didn’t like how I looked, but I knew it would be impactful. The bandages would have been too much, but the freshly healed wounds themselves would be fine.

Having memorized it, I turned to the doctor. “That last line? It hasn’t been used in ages. Even the traditionalists use ‘according to law.’”

“That’s why I chose this one.” He replied.

I thought about that for a moment. “How did you even have time to grab this? The library is on the other side of Celestia’s Wing.”

“Fortune favors the prepared. I grabbed this earlier today.” He crossed to my door. “It’s time to go.”

I strode into Luna’s Night Court. I was late, of course. The cuts and bruises on my face had the desired effect. The string quartet had only just begun playing one of Luna’s favorite songs, a sign that the end of Court was nearing. At my glance the conductor had the music fade out. The side conversations amongst the peers continued for a moment in the absence of the music. My presence only quieted some of the Court attendees.

“Prince Blueblood, Master of the House of the Night,” Luna said by way of greeting. Her words caught everypony’s attention. Now the room was quieter, yet still abuzz with hushed voices. Luna allowed herself to curl her lips into a half smile before continuing. “I had not considered that you would seek me out before the close of Court business. Would you care to join me?” She gestured to my usual place at her side.

I shook my head slightly. I decided to go with the scroll that Dr. Turner had brought me and use the full oath. Bending one of my forward knees, I bowed my head deeply. “I, Prince Blueblood, Master of the House of the Night, swear by the Elements of Harmony to bear faithful and true allegiance to Their Royal Highnesses, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, until such time as Their Highness’ release me or death take me.”

The collective gasp was small, but audible. It seemed nopony used the last line, as I knew and Dr. Turner predicted. Princess Luna rose and touched my horn with her hoof to accept my allegiance.

“May we never live to see a time when either of those are necessary, my prince.” Luna lifted her hoof and motioned for me to stand as she took her throne.

Now it was time to go in with my own idea. “Your Royal Highness, I also came to petition you.” I replied as I bowed slightly. Now it was dead silent.

Her eyes narrowed. She couldn’t see what I was aiming for, but I tried to project an image of thoughtfulness. Finally, she nodded. “You have my favor, of course. Name your need and I will see it fulfilled.”

I bowed my head in respect and then looked her in the eyes. “I need to return to the Crystal Empire. According to a reporter, there are records there that involve honours and orders that fell out of use when the House of the Night was banished.”

Luna’s eyebrows lifted momentarily. “I confess I was not keen on restoring many of those...traditions.”

She looked away, observing a few reactions around the room. I persisted. “I beg you to reconsider. The time will soon be at hoof when our House will need to recognize the chivalry of our subjects.”

She nodded, although she turned her eyes to look at a spot above my head. “Would that not usurp the honor of Princess Celestia’s Royal Orders and Honours?”

Shaking my head, I looked over to the gallery seats. Right where I expected the supposed head of the traditionalist faction to be. Being a creature of habit, of course he was there. “Restoring your traditions would only add to those of the Realm, not detract from it.”

Her smile was open now. “See to it then. I may have forgotten many of those awards, let alone their designs. Leave the day after tomorrow, and return quickly. You will take my airship, a chariot, and a team of guards. Princess Cadence is returning to the Empire tonight. You missed it due to your accident, but we joined our ally Nordanver, the Northern Gryffon Kingdom and formally declared war on the Southern Gryffon Kingdom, Sudramoar.”

I nodded, mentally forgiving her for having to cover up the attempted prince-napping. “We all will have much more on our plates then.”

Luna nodded. Her chin dipped and she looked at me with a twinkle in her eye. “Undoubtedly. Was there a reason that you had to make this a matter of public record?”

“Undoubtedly.” I let the word hang in the air. Luna drew her chin back up and inhaled. I suspected that she’d intended to heave a sigh, but thought better of it.

“Would you care to join me now?” Luna asked. I nodded and readily complied.

The music picked up once again as I looked out over the nobility sitting in on this session, I was struck by how many ponies were in attendance. On the other side of Luna from me was a four piece string quartet. As Master of the House of the Night, I began taking serious note of those at Court.

Luna spoke to a few ponies informally. As she did, I tuned out the conversation except to give an occasional confirmation. Much if not all were staff related matters that only tangentially involved me at best.

All three factions of Equestrian politics were represented. The highest in terms of precedence was Lord Fancy Pants’ younger brother, Earl Grey Pants. In spite of his age, he was known to be a moderate voice. Among the nouveau noblesse, Countess Mia Cuore d’Oro, the cousin of Princess Amore Cadenza. She was a countess in her own right as she was the second-born daughter and thus not in line to inherit a title. It had scandalized the traditionalists when Princess Celestia allowed the royal family of Bitaly to live in Equestria in exile during the revolution.

Scandal further ensued when she gave Cadence’s cousin a title, thus ensuring Equestrian aid to Bitalian nobles. Quite a few families immigrated due to the end of the monarchy and generally poor conditions in the new republic. Bitaly now was in a second renaissance, the fashion and racing industries kept pace with the times and their historical preservation ensured good tourism revenues. Bitaly earned more from the monarchy by ousting it and Equestria gained more progressive nobility.

My mind having wandered, my gaze returned to the pony I’d looked at while speaking to Luna. Lord Fields’ eldest son, Viscount Fair Fields. He took after his traditionalist father. That much was sure with him leading these oaths today. He was a more recent addition to Luna’s Court, although I couldn’t be sure of exactly when he started attending. The traditionalists tended to be quieter in Luna’s Court, more like they were observing instead of participating.

Finally, I found myself looking at the viscounts and barons that rounded out the court. Many of them inherited the lesser titles from their parents holdings as second or third born sons and daughters. Quite a few were first-generation, I would have guessed more of these first generation nobles were in our court than in Celestia’s. I’d ignored a subset of them who had been around during my Prince of Pleasure phase. None of them had made any moves to speak to me, either.

Princess Luna waited until the string quartet finished their last piece for the night. As the note disappeared on the air, she stood. The Court rose to their hooves. She bade them good night and sweet dreams and turned to exit as the quartet played the Equestrian Anthem. I followed her.

It seemed she wouldn’t wait until we were in her private dining room. “What was that about?”

“I am attempting to guilt the hell out of the traditionalists who might sympathize with certain drivers.” I answered plainly.

“And get out of Canterlot as we prepare for war?” She asked, although I suspected she already had an answer.

I shrugged. “Side benefit. If I’m truly angering traditionalists, then perhaps I can build a bridge to some of them. Get inside, as it were.”

She snorted derisively. “Your relationship with a commoner, and a male at that, wouldn’t aid with your bridge building.”

“You’d be surprised how many heirs to hereditary titles are okay with that. Even amongst the more traditional. I may have lost the older generation but I do hope to win over the next generation. I’ll handle my relationship smartly.” My reassurances seemed to work, although Luna could’ve resisted the sigh she gave.

Shaking her head, she cautioned, “Don’t do anything you’ll regret.”

We turned down the hallway that led to the dining room and I let out my own sigh. “It’s not like I’m leaving him, but he has things to take care of. Businesses to manage. I can’t monopolize all of his time. And I need him to know I can stand on my own four hooves.”

“Good,” she said simply.

“Yeah, now I just have to tell him without hurting his feelings.” I said as Luna stopped at the door to the dining room.

She signalled the guard to wait before opening the door. “I suppose that would depend on how far you would take this relationship. I don’t want to pressure you. I know your feelings for each other are strong.”

I massaged the bridge of my nose with one hoof. “I just announced we were dating, my foalhood caretaker passed away, I took on the highest position in a royal household and then I was attacked by extremists who were against not just my relationship but also your rule. Oh, and lest we forget, the country is at war.” Setting my hoof down, I looked Luna in the eye. “I will start thinking about where my future is heading. And I’ll let Joe know that he should start thinking about it as well.”

“Well, that’s easy. I’ll sell my stakes in the other Donut Joe’s franchises to Sue, turn over operations of the Canterlot business to my next chef in line and marry you.” Joe said from behind me.

I jumped, and not just from his sudden appearance. “What? When did you decide this?”

“Um, I’ve been thinking about it since we...” here he paused to flick his eyes at Luna then back to me, “...since we became a couple.”

“This is not a proposal!” I said, stomping a hoof.

“Well, then this is a preemptive ‘yes.’ Now you just figure out when you’re going to propose.” He said the last part much too jovially.

I smiled in spite of myself. “That’s not how this works. That’s not how any of this works!”

He smirked in just the most punchable way possible. “I’ll tell you what. After your Aunt’s party tomorrow, I have to go check on the businesses anyway. I won’t make any moves towards selling, or put anything like that into motion. You go enjoy the Crystal Empire—“

“How did you know about that?” I interjected.

He rolled his eyes. “Dr. Turner was there. He came and told me when Court was finished.”

“I was going to tell you at dinner,” I said, mostly failing at not pouting.

He brushed my shoulder. “I know. He said not to let on that I knew, but I figured this was easier. So you enjoy the Empire and maybe we can throw together a rough sketch of the future.”

I turned to him with a serious look. “It’s too much to ask of you that you divest yourself of what makes you happy. You can’t just stop being a baker.”

“Outside of the odd competition or whenever Discord places an order, I haven’t felt like a baker. I’ve felt like an entrepreneur, which is a lot more difficult than being a baker and something I’ll be glad to give up.” Joe wrapped a hoof around me. “Besides, I think the palace has a kitchen.”

“And I think that kitchen prepared us a meal?” Luna interjected. Nodding to the door guard, she led the way into the dining room and took her place. Joe and I sat out our places, me at the right of Luna and he at my right, after Luna took her seat.

Unnoticed to me until they began, a violinist struck up music as the servers entered. The tune was sweet and simple, but unfamiliar. “Not that I’m objecting, Luna, but what’s with all the musicians suddenly?”

Luna smiled. “Celestia’s idea. She felt it would help relieve stress. Every little bit counts she said.”

I shrugged, but that brought my other idea to mind. “On a related note, I’m thinking of hiring a royal biographer. Someone to help manage the image of the royal family in this unpleasantness.” Luna began eating, so I hurriedly unfolded my napkin and began doing so as well. Joe was ahead of me on that.

“How would a biographer help manage our image?” Luna asked, more interested than dismissive, given by her eye contact.

I sipped some water and then answered. “They would give us both historical context. Maybe quash the rumors that I’m not actually related to Celestia.”

Joe piped in. “You mean those rumors you believed until Celestia literally brought up your entire genealogy?”

I turned a sour expression on him. His look was not penitent in the least.

“If you can work a biographer’s salary into your stipend, go for it. Actually, have Dr. Turner crunch the numbers for you while you’re at the Empire. Who would you likely hire? I hear the top in the field is Memory Lane,” Luna remarked before really tucking into her food.

“Lane is a bit expensive, I’d think. Anypony who could extract anything from ancient pony records to make a biography of the last great gryffon king would have to be expensive.” Joe remarked.

“I’m sure I’ll find somepony within my budget. Perhaps that Life Story would know somepony? I’ll have to remember to ask him tomorrow night.”

“You don’t think the pony named Life Story would be interested in writing a biography?” Joe asked.

“Well, he is a reporter. I guess it’s not a terribly big leap of logic. I just haven’t heard of him writing a biography,” I admitted. “I do seem to recall reading an obituary that I think he wrote for The Crystal Empire’s newspaper.”

Joe cocked his head. “Why would you remember that?”

“We had some down time, and the obituary was for some Crystal Empire politician who actually remembered bits of Sombra’s reign,” I said.

Joe shrugged. “Well it’s a good thing his husband saved you yesterday. Otherwise he might have written your obituary instead of your biography!”

“Tactful as ever. Thanks Joe.” Again, unrepentant look plastered over his face, Joe looked at me and grinned. I had the distinct impression that were it not for Luna’s presence, he might’ve even blown a raspberry.

Prince Blueblood and Precedence

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In spite of being a less formal gathering of both Princess’s inner circles, there were the usual formalities to be observed. The special guests entered, followed by the lesser lords and ladies of both courts, the barons and baronesses. Next came the viscounts and viscountesses, the earls and countesses, and finally, the dukes and duchesses.

As lesser Prince, I had held equal standing with the dukes. Technically, I’d had my own dukedom in Celestia’s house, but I’d given up that title when I became Luna’s problem. Now that I was an asset and Master of Luna’s House, I was below only the Princesses themselves. Celestia’s Master of the House was my only equal.

Looking across to me, Lord Kibitz offered a rare smile. “This may be informal and entirely too forward of me Your Highness, but I am glad to see you’ve made your own way to greatness.”

Given the extent of my relationship with the duke had been a few limited conversions, I was actually touched. “Kibitz, I am honored to have you think highly of me. Or actually, to have you think of me at all.”

He laughed softly. “We gave up on you just on the cusp of your return to propriety.”

“Some would say that I have yet to return to propriety, sir,” I reminded him.

“I have heard such sentiments. It is regrettable that there are those who think so little of love that they believe in can only exist in one form.” He set a hoof on my shoulder. “I hope you never considered me to disapprove of such relationships.”

I shook my head. “Your reputation is solid, much more so than even Princess Luna’s. And I’m sure she’d agree.”

Kibitz bowed his head. The music that signalled our entrance began. He nodded towards the door. “Shall we?”

We stepped through together. Walking down the staircase, we paused at the bottom before going out separate ways. I headed to Joe at the punch bowl, Kibitz headed over to speak with Fancy Pants.

I stood next to Joe and waited for the formal fanfare for both sisters. Instead, the doors opened. Before I had a chance to tsk, a unicorn mare in strange yet simple robes walked in. Two unarmed guards in armor I didn’t recognize flanked her as she came down the stair case. They followed just behind her as she made her way straight to me.

A PLHG guard appeared on my other side and whispered to me. “The Unicorn Temple High Priestess, Exarch Glory.” The guard took a step back, and I locked gazes with the head of a very reclusive order of priestesses.

“Your Eminence, Exarch Glory.” I nodded respectfully.

The Exarch nodded her white-maned head. “Your Royal Highness, Master of the House of the Night.”

I twitched a bit, then decided to correct her. “It’s just Your Highness, forgive me the confusion, Your Eminence. As a non-alicorn I am unable to ascend to the throne and thus am not in line.”

“It is still a possibility, Your Highness. That is the message I sought to give you. Should you only value yourself.” She nodded and then turned away.

I might not have known much about the specifics of her order, but I knew better than to question her further. The Unicorn Temple Priesthood venerated alicorns. All that being said, they were also the most reclusive order, their head temple in the city was closest to the mountain itself, rather than near the cliff and castle. Therefore, they were the least likely to have any inkling of the goings on, rumors and gossip.

There was any number of reasons not to take the Exarch’s words to heart. And yet, that little foal who yearned to be more than some crude common pony seized on them and held them close. Shaking my head, I turned to Joe. “That was weird.”

“No kidding,” Joe said as he looked at the Exarch’s almost unreal form.

The fanfare finally hit. All eyes turned to the top of the stairs. Celestia and Luna emerged. Celestia was dressed in a transparent golden wrap over a shimmering white gown that fell to just above her hoofguards. Luna opted for a metallic royal purple gown of similar length. Both wore the tiaras and hoofwear they were most known for, albeit with a bit more polish than normal.

The Equestrian National Anthem played as they stepped over the threshold and down the stairs. For once, I actually sang along with every pony.

“Our hearts we pledge to thee
Great Land of Harmony
Sun and Moon shines!

Where the six elements
Protect with elegance
Our Friendship excellence
And Love Divine!

The tribes that once were split
In icy gloom adrift
Sing now in tune

All ponies now one race
Others shall we embrace
Our dreams all in one place
Beneath one moon!

Our talents we shall pledge
Lest chaos seek to wedge
Our hearts as one

With Generosity,
Laughter and Loyalty
Magic, Kindness, and Honesty
Shines like the sun!”

Celestia and Lune smiled brightly at the bottom of the stairs as the anthem finished. Once completed, they walked gracefully over to either side of the room and greeted their guests. Celestia walked first to greet Exarch Glory and Kibitz. Luna, of course, came first to me.

“I thought this was to be informal.” Although phrased as a statement, I recognized the question.

I shrugged. “This is as informal as it gets. No military guests outside of the house guards and the city guard we invited. No press. Guest list under fifty, mostly peers and staff. And, with Twilight and Cadence, there are two more verses of the Anthem we could have sung.”

Luna shook her head, her smile only a touch less bright. “I suppose the point of the night won’t be lost on a gathering less than I’d originally planned, yet more than I more recently expected.”

I smiled warmly. “See, that’s the spirit, ma’am!”

She shot me a look. “Easy on the ma'am. I might be old enough to be your grandmother several times over, but I’m still young at heart and mind.”

“It would be impolite of anypony to mention your age,” I reminded her. “Besides, I still have to live with you. No point teasing you too much this early in the night, even if you are long lived!”

Her look withered for a moment before she laughed lightly. “And I owe my longevity solely to having a magical connection to the moon, as Celestia owes hers to the sun. Were it not for Discord breaking the natural laws of this world, we would be but footnotes in history. Legends long forgotten to all but the most meticulous of historians.”

There was a question I’d have to remember to ask later. This setting wasn’t appropriate, especially given the onset of war. Would the damage Discord did to the natural order ever be repaired? And, if it was, would the sisters begin to age again?

I shook my head to clear those thoughts. They truly were for another time. “Exarch Glory seems to think that it’s not too late for me to become an alicorn.”

Luna gazed at my cutie mark. “Not to sound sexist, but there haven’t been nearly as many male alicorns. I believe Celestia expected you to become one due to something she once saw in you. That potential is hard to diminish, even if you make mistakes along the way. Even if you don’t succeed in the way other ponies expect.”

There was that weird little feeling again. “My magic is nothing special, Luna.”

“Perhaps now is not the best time to discuss this. But allow me to say that neither love nor friendship start out as anything particularly special in the beginning.” Luna took a step back and smiled once more. “If you’ll excuse me.”

“Of course, Your Royal Highness.” I bowed my head and stepped to the side to let her glide by.

Joe cut into the large donut cakes and began plating them carefully. Servers appeared to take the small plates to the guests from the Exarch down to the red-coated reporter in the back. I made my way over to my rescuers, all laughing amongst themselves and enjoying the dessert.

Div and Carnelian stood to attention and saluted. They were in dress uniform. I saluted in response and smiled. “As you were. I trust the dessert is to your liking?”

“Yes, Your Highness,” the quartet of ponies chorused back.

“Our compliments to your special somepony!” Bruiser added.

“Let it never be said that a Canterlot donutier couldn't create something even the peerage wouldn’t love!” Life Story chimed in.

“It’s good to see you out of the bandages, Your Highness,” Carnelian said. “How are you doing?”

I touched my cheek. “I am well, the healing process is still underway. I am told much of this will fade and my fur will cover what doesn’t go away.”

“I feel like I should apologize. If I had only gotten to you sooner, Your Highness,” Div began, but I held up my hoof.

“None of that,” I ordered. I turned to look at Life. “Mr. Story, you said something that has only increasingly caught my attention. There are records in the Crystal Empire that mention the House of the Night?”

Life nodded. “The Library of the Crystal City managed to preserve some historical documents related to various contemporary noble lines. The preservation of these records almost certainly would have meant death during King Sombra’s reign of terror, as they include the royal line that ruled prior to him seizing control. That line is mostly extinct, although their closest relatives married into Bitaly’s noble houses and thus...”

“Princess Cadance actually has a legitimate claim to the throne beyond Celestia’s appointment. That’s actually really fascinating.” For once, I actually meant that. Given how my own family line assured there would always be an heir, apparently even the ancient Crystal Empire royalty made the same insurance policies. “I guess nobility will always seek to ensure that it goes on.”

“Generally speaking, yes. But also in those records are House of the Night honors and titles bestowed not only on Crystal Empire nobles, but also a copy of the records kept by historians in the Castle of the Two Sisters!” Life sipped from his glass of champagne.

I mulled that revelation over. The ties between the two nations were that close? “The originals were destroyed during the Celestia and Luna’s...falling out. It’s amazing that they survived after all these years, frozen in time in a library of a lost city.”

Life nodded. “Isn’t it?”

“There are things that need restoring in my aunt’s House. These records are going to be a big part of that restoration.” I offered my hoof to Mr. Story. “Thank you for letting me know.”

He shook my hoof. “The librarian was going to tell Luna eventually, but they wanted to make sure all the records were found and accounted for. Some had been hidden in private homes around the city and getting them remembered and returned has been a big issue.”

I shrugged. “I’ll take what I can get for now. I’m going to the Empire tomorrow.”

“I’m glad I could be of service, Your Highness.” Life smiled.

I bid my farewells and shook the hooves of my three rescuers once more before leaving their company and speaking to a few of the minor Court nobles.

Amongst their number I found a familiar, If not exactly welcome, face. “Baron Lands, it’s been quite some time!” I exclaimed by way of greeting.

He looked about as thrilled as I felt. Then, his expression returned to something more pleasant. “Your Highness, Prince Blueblood. I hear, now Master of the House of the Night? I suppose it really is better to rule in hell?”

“Hell is what you make of it. But then you’d know that, having come from the Badlands.” I was glad my tongue seemed to be as sharp as ever.

His expression soured, he always was a prideful type when it came to his home. “I’ll remind His Highness that Las Pegasus is technically in the Badlands. As is Appleloosa. The frontier gives way to much progress.”

I nodded and placed a hoof on Baron Lands’ shoulder. “I could use some more progressive friends. I’ve finally started to live up to my potential, and anything could happen to those who fall in with a pony who is respected by all four Princesses.”

“A ceasefire in a long lifetime of being at war merely leaves both parties ever more wary of each other. You might have some pull with the lesser houses, but even Celestia’s blessing won’t get you far with her Courtiers.” The baron turned, as if he were about to leave, before he remembered his etiquette. “By your leave, Your Highness?”

I stepped into his space, playfully adjusting his tie. “I’m not going anywhere anytime soon. My old tutor taught me many things, including how to find out what I want to know. You’ll find that recently I’ve become very...tenacious.”

Baron Lands bowed his head. “His Highness always was persistent. I’m sure you will find whatever it is you’re looking for. Now, by your leave?”

“Enjoy the party, Bountiful.” His eyes narrowed at my use of his first name. He strongly hated it.

“Thank you, Your Highness. I hope you will as well.” With that, he turned away.

“You really know how to win friends and influence ponies,” Joe said drily.

I turned to him and took one of the glasses he offered, having finished drinking my first glass by now. “Thank you. It was what I was born to do.”

He opened his mouth to say something, but the fanfare struck again as the doors to the balcony garden opened. Celestia and Luna stepped out to inspect the flower. Exarch Glory followed at a respectful distance, her curiosity just barely noticeable on an impressively impassive face.

“Shall we?” I asked, leading the way to the door. Kibitz fell into step beside me as Joe followed behind.

The trio of us stood just to the right of the princesses as they turned around to address the assembled ponies.

Luna began with her remarks. “Not only is this flower a peculiar bloom, it has great healing properties. Prior to the announcement this week, We had cultivated many of these plants, coordinating across Equestria. They will all bloom tonight, and in the morning be harvested as the first wave of medicine dedicated now to the care of those wounded severely on the field. We hope to never have to use a drop, but they will stand ready. This is my first foray into bringing the knowledge of yesteryear into the healing practices of today.”

Celestia and Luna shared a smile as ponies clapped politely. Celestia stepped forward to speak. “We face uncertain times. The medicinal properties of our natural plants is just part of the magic of bringing some certainty into view. Even we who raise the sun and moon cannot predict the course ahead. Although we have taken many precautions and are dedicated only to protect the Northern Gryffon Kingdom’s citizens as the Nordanver army fights their own battles, it is undoubted that there will be suffering the likes of which only two of us have ever seen. Yet, Nordanver’s victory must be attained to bring peace and harmony to the gryffon kingdoms as well as to ensure the security of our own lands. We will seek to ensure that safety by preparing even the smallest, yet vital things.”

The flower began to glow brightly. All eyes turned to watch its petals open. The pale light it emitted was strangely comforting in the moonlight on the balcony. I would take all the comfort I could now, for it surely would not last.

Prince Blueblood and Perseverance

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Aside from the guard ponies, I was pleased to be on my first solo trip out of Canterlot. Even if it was work-related, I felt a sense of pride in being able to take this trip on my own. Dr. Turner had set an itinerary, even organizing a meeting with the head librarian at the Crystal Library, but even he was back at Canterlot. There was a heady sense of freedom.

To my relief and surprise, Div was one of the ponies on my security detail. His armor and that of his fellow guards had received a few improvements, especially in spell resistance. Hopefully such measures wouldn’t be necessary in the Crystal Empire of all places.

As I stood in the observation lounge, Div stood at attention just inside the door. “It occurs to me that I never asked what Div was short for,” I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye.

He gave me the briefest of glances, then looked ahead and answered, “Your Highness, full name Sogni DiVolare, sir.”

“Sohn-yee?” He nodded at my pronunciation. I dredged up what little I knew of Bitalian. ”DiVolare. I assume you are familiar with the Bitalian translation.” It was less a question than statement.

Div nodded and answered, “Yes, sir.”

DiVolare. And he was an earth pony. There had to be a way for an earth pony to fly. Then I nearly slapped myself in the face. We were standing in a flying machine! “Have you taken to airship flight? Considering this is my Aunt’s own airship, you wouldn’t even necessarily need leave the PLHG to earn your wings.” I shrugged. “If you’re interested, that is.”

Div considered this. “Sir, it would likely involve cross-training with Equestrian Air Navy.”

I nodded. “That’s probably correct. Still, something to think about. If I can find a way to bring it up without impugning the honor of the Royal Air Navy, I’ll put in a good word for you.”

After a moment, Div responded. “I appreciate the sentiment, but it would be improper of me to use a personal connection to achieve my own ends.”

I turned away from the window and gave Div a wry grin. Leave it to my humble guard to refuse to play games to further his own career. I tapped a hoof to my chin idly, mostly for show but also because I could sense him squirming under the armor. “Fine. That’s admirable of you. I’ll be more vague. Say that somepony on my personal detail needs to earn their wings in case the pilot and crew are incapacitated. They’ll probably pull a list up of volunteers to seek training. I promise I won’t meddle in the selection. If you pass and are selected, it’ll be on your talent and skills. No favoritism.”

Div nodded once. “Sounds fair.”

I shook my head, not quite understanding the thought process. “Let it never be said that Luna’s guards lack the drive to succeed on their own merits. I definitely would’ve used connections to get what I wanted. But, I can respect a pony seeking to persevere and arrive at their goal on their own hooves.”

Satisfied, I looked back out the window. I heard the door open and a guard entered to relieve Div. Before the blue earth pony left, he approached me.

“I hope you never have to use it, but I persuaded my sargeant to issue one to you.” I turned around to see him holding out a black ring. A unicorn magic inhibitor ring. And from the hoofcuff-like hinge, it was meant to be slapped on around the horn instead of slipped down the tip.

Wordlessly, I took the ring and slipped it into my pocket. We nodded to each other. Hopefully, I never had reason to use this.

Not long later, we landed at the Crystal Palace air dock. To my surprise, Prince Shining Armor stood on the ground near the ramp to receive us. He wore a simple white military officer’s uniform, buttoned up and polished bright. Instead of a full service-style sword at his hip he had an ornately-handled dagger.

I might have picked up my step slightly; the Prince-Captain of the Crystal Empire had to have a busy schedule. Especially in times like these.

I bowed my head to Shining Armor as I stood on the exit ramp, flanked by Div and another PLHG. Shining nodded and spoke, “Welcome to the Crystal Empire, Your Highness Prince Blueblood, Master of the House of the Night.” I was actually impressed for a moment at his formality. Then he went and spoiled it. “That was the correct form of address, right?”

I nodded, breaking into a smile in spite of myself. The Prince-Captain had been around the royal court enough times to know. This had to be his trademark humor. “Your Royal Highness, you are correct.”

Shining held out his hoof. I took his in mine and stepped off of the ramp. “And should anypony ask, I will deny this emphatically,” I said just before stepping into a stallionly hug, one hoof still grasping his, the other reaching around to embrace him.

Shining chuckled as he put his hoof around me in return. “Nopony would believe me anyway.”

Stepping back, I sized him up. He looked to be in mostly fine condition. The tenseness hid in the corners of his eyes. “It is good to see you, sir.”

Shining rolled his eyes. “Likewise, but go ahead and keep the sirs to yourself. Luna clued us into what you’re after. I hope your stay won’t be too brief.”

His statement as a question made me wonder if Shining hadn’t already grown accustomed to the proper forms of speech. Something was very different and I wondered just who had been assigned to teach Shining to alter his speech patterns. “That depends on the amount of information to be parsed. It is my understanding that there are two major libraries in the city.”

Shining nodded, then jerked his head to indicate walking. I fell in step with him just slightly leading me. “That’s right. The palace library, with our librarian Lexicon. Then there’s the city library with head librarian Amethyst Maresbury. I’ll have time to lead you to our library. Both Lex and Amethyst are waiting there.”

As much as the times and setting called for protocol, I couldn’t resist satisfying my own curiosity. “How are you and Cadence holding up?” I asked as we rounded a corner.

Shining slowed his pace almost imperceptibly. He allowed himself a small sigh. “I won’t lie; it hasn’t been easy.”

I could sympathize. “I can only imagine. It is quite a lot to ask of a nation only now getting used to being in the modern day and age. That they should leave their homes and defend an ally’s civilians? Especially given how some were already separated.”

Prince Armor looked at me sidelong. “I would much rather be asked than be the one asking. At least then I’d feel like I was being useful.”

I noted his tone and shook my head. “Has she had to disabuse you of the notion of going off to performsome heroics?” I asked cheekily.

He looked away, growing more serious than I liked. “Only once. She made it clear that I would be more hindrance than help. This isn’t a war for Equestria. This is a conflict on another continent. The big powers of the realm have no place trying to replace the military. Not to mention I, or the Princesses or the Element-Bearers would be technicolor targets.”

This assessment was purely practical. One could make no promises in war, after all. Yet I could see it plainly bothering him. For one usually accused of selfishness, I prided myself on being aware of what motivates other ponies. And those words he just used did not sound like his own motivation.

As we rounded a corner into a wider hall, I noted a distinct lack of other guards. I felt the weight of the object in my front pocket and had a terrible idea. “I hope Your Royal Highness will forgive me.”

Before Shining could react, I slipped the ring out and telekinetically flung it at the base of his horn. As his hooves went up to the item now stuck on his horn, I kicked him in the gut and jumped over his back. I’d been incredibly lucky to get the drop on him up to this point, but the next part would be trickier. Sliding one hoof around his neck, I gripped his mane and pulled him close. As his hooves went from his horn to my forelimb, I slipped his dagger out of its sheath with my other hoof and held it against his neck. I applied just enough pressure to get his attention.

For a moment, everything froze. He was now between me and the guards. My PLHG escorts stood down immediately, their weapons hitting the floor almost as soon as Prince Armor’s dagger cleared the sheath. The Crystal Guards were caught in a mental loop, their weapons out but oscillating between me and my guards.

I could feel the muscles in his neck tense. His forehooves grabbed both of my forelimbs just above the hooves. He took a step back, pressing my back against the wall. If he decided to fight back, I really didn’t have the training to take the idea any further. Just as I could feel his reflexes kicking in, he fought against them and went still. Instead, Shining Armor growled. “Was this necessary?”

I let go of his mane and handed him back his dagger. “If even I can get the drop on you and your guards, then yes. This war between the gryffons will undoubtedly involve the enemy using unlikely means to take out big targets.”

Shining Armor looked to his guards and mine. “Stand down. Retrieve your kit. Only Blueblood would have this kind of hare-brained idea, I don’t blame the PLHG.” He looked back to me and pointed to his horn. “This is Equestria-made. The enemy won’t have these.”

I shook my head as I reached up to unfasten the ring. “Unicorns have lived in the gryffon kingdoms, if even one of them ever had to be arrested, the gryffons will have come up with something like this. Or bought some from us before we were enemies. Never count on your enemy not having something.”

“When did you get to know anything of war?” Shining asked.

I decided not to bring up the attempted prince-napping. If he didn’t know of it already, I could approach the subject later without his guards overhearing. “You never had to learn Court politics from Civil List. The two subjects are not dissimilar; find your enemy’s weakness. You and the Princesses and even the Element-Bearers are used to over-looking a creature weaker than you who doesn’t appear to be a threat. And giving mercy to someone who would use that to get close and exploit it.”

His eyes relaxed as he thought it out. “I could have disarmed you, you know. But I knew you wouldn’t hurt me.” His look of confidence annoyed me. He hadn’t learned anything.

I looked into his eyes, my expression hardening. “The fact that you didn’t is exactly why you shouldn’t go to war.”

One of the Crystal Guards sighed. Shining and I both looked at him. Clearing his throat, the guard spoke. “As much as I’d hate to agree with a pony who just had a knife to my captain’s throat, he’s right. For all any of us knew, he could have been a changeling imposter hired to kill the prince, or even possessed by a dark force.”

Shining Armor opened his mouth, but then closed it as he thought it over. Looking at me again, I could tell the lesson was starting to sink in. “I would take my security more seriously out on the battlefield.”

I shrugged. “You can’t count on your enemy to attack you only when your guard is up.”

“I know that.” Shining turned away. “But I’ll make sure it’s up more often.”

I turned to follow him again. “That’s all I ask.”

We walked in silence for a bit, my guards and his guards closer to the two of us than was strictly polite. I really couldn’t blame them, though. I was more impressed that I wasn’t in shackles and on my way to the dungeons.

“I can’t believe I’m getting a lesson in personal defense from the prince of pleasure,” Shining remarked as we approached a large set of double doors.

I tilted my head one way and spoke. “Think of it just as a refresher. You already knew it, but the message wasn’t in your heart yet.”

“Well, that’s the last time I’m ever lowering my guard around you, Blue. And, thank you. The talk with Cadence put a lot of these ideas in my head, but having my own dagger against my neck is another matter entirely.” Shining turned to face me directly as a Crystal guard went to open the doors. “I’ll see you around.”

“Have fun,” I said, waving as I walked into the library.

“Shh!” Two sharp hushes were emitted in unison.

Oh good, I thought, I’m going to have all the fun for myself.

Lexicon was a pastel orange earth crystal stallion with white slicked-back mane and tail. What struck me immediately was the almost comically enormous glasses he wore, thick as the bottom of a drinking glass.

Amethyst Maresbury was a kindly looking earth crystal mare with a coat hue that matched her name. Her pinkish mane was mostly covered by a crystal blue hat. The hat had a purple headband and two ornamental crystals, one red one blue, that stuck out of the band in the same way feathers would in a fancy Canterlotian hat. Her gold rimmed pince-nez glasses perched on her nose, safely tethered to a beaded lanyard on both sides of the frame.

In short, they both very much looked like librarians.

I looked from one to the other and waited, but they merely looked back. “I am—“

“Prince Blueblood, we’ve been expecting you. Your aunt mentioned that you’d heard of our research into orders of merit and awards given by the House of the Night from the period prior to Sombra’s reign.” Lexicon waved a hoof to follow him and Amethyst fell in just a step behind.

She piped up as we walked. “You’ll have to excuse him, he’s been very excited to show off his research abilities.”

Before I could respond, we reached a door marked with several protective runes. “Prince Shinjng Armor designed the protective enchantments on this door. This is my private study.” He placed a hoof on the door and the runes glowed softly. The door opened on its own and Lexicon ushered us through.

“He just likes showing off his fancy door,” Amethyst remarked. “It’s about the only special thing about the castle library. The more interesting volumes were preserved far away from this place.”

Lexicon snorted as he closed the door behind us. “She’s just jealous that her security relies on trapdoors and bookshelves blocking doorways.”

Amethyst arched her eyebrows primly. “When you seek to hide something from a pony well versed in magic, you turn to the mundane. The old king could have sniffed out your fancy magic door and dispelled it in a trice. My trapdoors and fake bookshelves did more to hide the most sensitive information.”

As they bickered, I took a look around. The study was lined with bookshelves. Its floor was dominated by tables with scrolls, books and loose sheets of paper and parchment. Noting my disinterest, Lexicon made his way across to a table with several crystals on it with a recliner and sofa nearby. I followed, with Amethyst behind me.

He stood on the other side of the table and gestured proudly.

Before he could speak, I tilted my head. “I was more hoping for books or, maybe like a journal. These are pretty, though.”

Lexicon’s eyes narrowed and his brow creased. “They’re not just pretty crystals,” he chided. “These are memory crystals.”

“They improve your memory?” I’d heard about the supposed new age benefits of crystal massage therapy, but it was bordering on ridiculous to think these two academics helieved in such nonsense. “Not to be disrespectful, but I—“

“Oh for crystal’s sake! No, these crystals store memories!” Amethyst clarified. “It’s a process nearly lost to pony knowledge. We don’t know if any non-Crystal ponies alive could recreate them.”

“At the very least, it would take a unicorn to even attempt it. But memory crystals here in the Empire can come from any of the three tribes,” Lexicon reverently picked up the brightest, clearest crystal. “This memory is from Princess Amore’s time in the years before the dark king’s reign.”

“Where were these hidden?” I asked, eyeing the selection. They ranged in color, cut and clarity. There was one on the end that gave me chills. It was as black as obsidian.

Lexicon turned to Amethyst, who answered proudly. “The resistance network in this very city hid them in magic-resistant boxes under floorboards, buried in gardens, and hidden in attics all across the Crystal City.”

“Amazing,” I remarked. “What does this have to do with Princess Luna’s House and the honors and awards they issued before Luna’s banishment?”

“We figured you would be more interested in seeing those honors issued as they were in time gone by. First hoof.” Amethyst took the crystal from Lexicon and offered it to me.

I took it in my hooves. “How do I access the memory?”

Lexicon spoke slowly. “Hold it in your magic. Clear your mind. Sense the emotions inside and draw them into you. You might want to take a seat.” Here he indicated the recliner.

I took a seat and began to do as he said. Holding it in my magic was easy. Clearing my mind was more difficult, as I was equal parts nervous and excited. Finally I could start to feel something from the Crystal itself. It was warmth and light and suddenly—

Prince Blueblood and Protection

View Online

The mists of the memory cleared as Crystal ponies ebbed and flowed around us like a shimmering sea of light. The city looked the same as it ever did, but the ponies milling about were all much happier on average. Everypony had a smile on, laughter rang through the air almost as loudly as the sound of crystal hooves on crystal roads. I stood next to Princess Luna and on her other side stood...

“Master Starswirl, art thou quite sure thou wouldst not look more fetching in a crystal hat instead of thy bell-bedecked bonnet?” Luna asked, her voice respectful as her face gave away the joke.

I took steps forward to face both legendary ponies. I hadn’t made much effort to seek out the famous Pillar of Old Equestria since his return. Clearing my throat, I made to introduce myself when a passing crystal pony walked through me. I stiffened and most certainly did not let out an undignified squeak.

Starswirl eyed her sidelong, his face serious before he chuckled. “I doubt I’d sport it half as nicely as you would, princess.”

It took me a second before remembering this was a memory. I slapped myself for the confusion.

Her smile broadened. “Then We shall have to obtain one and find out!”

A remarkably familiar-looking alicorn princess sidled up to where I’d been standing. It was a trifle disconcerting when ponies walked through me, but I tuned out the distraction. This conversation was important.

The alicorn laughed as she lifted one crystal hat from a passing vendor and insisted on paying for it. Presenting it to Luna, she spoke. “Believe me, you’d rather wear one of those hats than try and sit through an Imperial Headdress styling. That look takes even the most skilled ponies too much time for my tastes.”

“Princess Amore, our utmost gratitude!” Luna said as she took the hat in her magic. Turning to Starswirl, she nudged him with a hoof. “Alright, off with those bells!”

Starswirl groaned, “Your Royal Highness, this is—“

“Watch out!” Princess Amore shouted as something dark streaked across the sky. It looked like a small, black meteor. Dense smoke trailed behind it. Two other dark shapes hurtled across the sky behind it.

The crystal ponies on the ground panicked. In the chaos, Starswirl tripped over a discarded wagon as he tried to dart forward to counterattack. Princess Amore had a shield spell covering herself and Luna, who was startled and wide eyed.

Luna quickly recovered and made to leave the protection of the shield. “Amore, what are you—“

“Trusting in my ponies.” Amore answered flatly.

As if on cue, three crystal ponies took formation. A unicorn led the charge as a pegasus leapt into the air and grabbed a cloud. An earth pony clad in armor stood before the princesses and helped Starswirl to his hooves.

The crystal earth pony shook Starswirl’s hoof firmly. She spoke clearly enough that I could hear her. “Get the Princesses away and defend the Crystal Heart.”

As she turned to charge into battle, Starswirl entered Amore’s protective shield. “Who are they?”

She smiled as her shield crumbled. “My Crystal Shards.”

The ensuing battle between the Shards and the dark shapes in the sky was left behind as the memory moved on to the Princesses and Starswirl standing guard over the Crystal Heart.

“Why leave it to them? What is wrong with your magic, Princess Amore?” Luna asked boldly.

Amore glanced around, ensuring nopony was near to overhear. “My magic is waning. It is always the weakest just before the Crystal Heart ceremony. As I realized that the cycles were getting weaker, I forged my Shards as an elite team to handle the threats I no longer could when my magic was weak.”

“Why is this happening?” Starswirl asked. “How could your magic and the Crystal Heart be getting weaker?”

She looked around, her eyebrows knitting together. “I fear that the love amongst my subjects is weakening. It is the way of ponies, even crystal ponies, to forget the power of love. The effect of the Heart on the weather is weakening and shrinking bit by bit.”

“You need to remind your subjects that their love keeps this kingdom together.” Starswirl chided.

Amore smiled weakly. “I’ve tried in many ways. Should we survive this attack, I shall continue to try and remind them.”

“The Crystal Heart cannot fall to darkness.” Luna said as she grasped Amore’s forehooves in her own.

For a moment, Amore’s eye became unfocused. Then she looked at Luna’s chest and frowned. Looking back up, Amore gazed into Luna’s eyes. “Make sure your heart doesn’t fall to darkness either, Luna.”

Luna cocked her head and frowned. “O-of course.”

The scene shifted, melting and reforming around us.

Starswirl the Bearded sat across from me in a covered carriage bumping along down a familiar crystalline street. His stoicism, bordering perhaps on annoyance, was an almost palpable force. "Is it not enough to start your own order of Knights? Now you start an order of merit? And with ponies from outside your own realm!"

Luna, sitting next to me in full regalia and with a look that would brook no opposition from her esteemed mentor, folded her hooves over her lap. The hoofguards clinked audibly. "Celestia has ruled the kingdom her way, taking the lead on recognizing our subjects. Now that summer is waning it is up to me to begin reminding everypony that there are two courts in Equestria. And if this world is to be as ever-free as the Equestrian Capitol, then we must rule as equals. As my first non-military Order of Recognition, it will be on par with Celestia's Order of the Cross. The Celestia Cross was designed to show that all four corners of our world are under her sun. The Order of the Crescent will symbolize the struggle between darkness and light. It will remind all who see it that light prevails even if one can only see a sliver of it."

Starswirl smiled, and Luna shook her head, easing up as soon as Starswirl did. He nodded at her. "If you are ready to answer questions like these, I have no doubt that you are ready to rule as your sister does."

Luna looked out of the window and sighed. "The war with Discord's so-called followers took a toll on her. If I had been ready earlier, we could have faced them together as we faced all our other challenges."

"Mastering the dream realm is an invaluable asset to the kingdom," Starswirl reminded her.

Luna shook her head and changed the subject. "What do we know about the shadows that attacked us?”

Starswirl gave an un-Starswirl-like shrug. "Not a terrible lot, I'd say. I do have Stygian working on research in the Crystal Castle Library."

Luna wrinkled her nose. "I still can't believe they simply lost shape and dissolved."

Starswirl nodded. "The entire assassination attempt seemed very all-or-nothing to those shadows. Once subdued, they seemed to be in great pain until they...dissolved."

The grim look on their faces shifted as the carriage came to a stop. Starswirl got to his feet first and exited as the memory of the past grew less focused around us. I blinked and opened my eyes to the Crystal Castle Library.

“Blue, can I talk to you?” Cadence called as I set hoof on my suite door. I sighed inwardly, as I’d really hoped to not have to deal with anything else after the crystal memories.

“Of course, Your Royal Highness,” I answered and trotted over to her diligently.

“This isn’t as a Royal, this is as a...cousin, I guess?” She looked up as she thought about that, but shrugged and lead the way to her sitting room.

“I guess there’s no other way to say it than to just come out and say it. I don’t appreciate you attacking my husband in our home.” Her eyes were locked on mine in seconds. For a brief moment, she reminded me quite forcefully of another alicorn I knew.

I considered my answer. Her face flashed in annoyance before she softened her expression and spoke again.

“I think you should apologize. And not just to me. Shining considers you a friend, almost like an annoying little brother. To have you on his case when I’m already riding him pretty hard...”

“Cadence.” Just getting that one word out without putting an edge on it was difficult. “You’re right.” Unlike the vast majority of the time I’d used those words, I actually meant it. “I had no right to interject myself into so personal a discussion, let alone to act the way I did. I can only tell you that I meant no offense. In my own way, I really care for Shining Armor. The thought of him going to war, even to inspect troops, is too much. Yet, seeing his disappointment at being barred from the field left me feeling...” The exact term left me and no matter how hard I tried, I could not retrieve the words. This feeling I had was not one I often entertained. “I’m sorry. I was out of line.”

“I think I understand,” Cadence said, her expression softening further. “I’ve tried telling him myself. You were right that words weren’t doing enough to ease his mind.”

“But I was wrong to put my hooves on him. And, if I’m being completely honest, I fully expected to have my tail handed to me by Shining himself,” I admitted.

She snorted. “Well, you were smart enough to get inside his head. Now be smart enough to get inside his heart and fix the damage you’ve done,” she admonished.

I sighed. “Alright. Where is he?”

She smiled half-heartedly. “This time of day, he’s at the palace track.”

I bowed. “By your leave, my —“

She waved a hoof. “Just make him happy.”

Div fell in step behind me and I almost did a double-take. “You are sleeping at some point during all this, aren’t you?” I asked.

Div nodded. “Yes, Your Highness.”

I shook my mane and sighed. “Good. I’d hate for you to be glued to my side.”

Div piped up again as we descended the stairs. “If I may be so bold, Your Highness, the other guards seem to believe I’ll be able to talk you out of doing anything...unusual.”

I just barely kept the snort in. “Like attacking the Captain of the Crystal Guards?”

Div paused to collect himself before speaking again. “Yeah, something like that.”

I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye. “Well, if it’s of any comfort, I don’t plan on doing that again.”

“Noted, sir.” He didn’t exactly sound convinced but that may have just been his natural tone.

Deciding not to try and convince Div further, I shook my head and exited the final door to the outside. The track was a fair hike down the south lawn. The palace guard facilities were close at hoof, but still a respectful distance away.

Just when I thought I’d start to break a sweat, we made it to the track. Shining was out of armor, running circles around what I assumed were newer guards.

“Prince Armor,” I began, before I mentally kicked myself for the formality. Some habits were hard to kick and being raised under Civil List’s incessant need for structured formality was habitual. Even my years as the Prince of Pleasure hadn’t dulled the edge of those lessons. “Shining, may I speak with you?”

Shining didn’t take his eyes off of the recruits. “Considering you already are speaking with me, sure. Your Highness.”

“I shouldn’t have attacked you in your own home.” I started, before he laughed.

His eyes remained forward. “You’ve spoken to Cadence.”

I shrugged. “Shining, you helped me find out what my mark meant. In my own way I was trying to help you. But I was wrong. I don’t want there to be a wall between us.”

“No, I think you proved your point. Celestia has regaled me with your previous false apologies, Blueblood, so save it.” Of all ponies, Shining was on a very short list of those I never wanted to disappoint. But he had me in a box. Once more I found myself contemplating how to convey a message with more than words.

“How many laps are they doing?” I asked finally, nodding at the recruits.

He glanced at me from the corner of his eye. “Fifty more to go.”

I let out a low moan and took off my suit jacket and tie. Handing them off to Div, I whispered, “if I don’t survive, you’re carrying me home.”

Div laughed. “If you do all those laps, I’ll gladly be your faithful steed, Your Highness.”

Head high, I galloped to join the pack of guardsponies. Matching their pace was rough, and I slid to the rear of the pack before I got my breathing right. By the fifth lap I had my rhythm, by the fifteenth, I’d hit a wall. Lap twenty-five saw me catch my second wind and I actually slid up to the top five. The fortieth lap was torture, but at this point the running guardsponies were whispering encouragement out of earshot of their captain.

I tripped in start of the last lap and ate track dust. By then, I’d been running beside the same pony for the last few laps and he reached down and had me on my hooves before I could spit out the first bit of dirt. Seeing that I could still go, he left me behind and caught up with the pack.

My pride has led me to do some fairly stupid things, as well as some fairly impressive things. Joining this run qualified as the former. As for the latter, catching up to the pack just before the finish line and beating half the recruits across it was one of the most impressive things I’d managed so far.

Shining was on the group as soon as they stopped. He had them in formation, in proper posture and shipped off to the barracks in seconds. I was left gasping for air like a fish out of water with Div standing next to me, alert but with humor in his eyes.

He spoke, unsolicited. “Nice turf tasting, Your Highness. I’m actually really impressed that you got up and really buckled down to catch up after that.”

Shining was on my other side before I knew he was there. “Well, not bad for doing half the running that the guardsponies were doing, but still impressive. You’re in shape, but you’re not quite up to the conditioning yet.”

“Shining, I really am sorry.” I tried again, but Shining laughed it off, without the bitterness this time.

“Don’t worry about it, Blue.” Shining said softly, giving me a side hug. “Just don't embarrass me in front of my own guards again.”

He let me go and I turned to hold out my hoof. “Deal.” Unfortunately, Shining hadn’t backed up as much as I thought and my hoof tapped his shoulder. Shining’s reflexes kicked in and he stepped into my space, grabbed my outstretched hoof and used it to pull me over his shoulders and onto the ground. Before I knew it, I was on my back, the air knocked out of my lungs and stars in my eyes.

“Oh crabapples.” Shining said. “Uh, sorry Prince Blueblood, somepony had me on a hair trigger today.”

If I’d had enough air, I’d have laughed. Or cried. “No problem,” I gasped.

Shining turned to Div. “Uh, he’s all yours, faithful steed.” With that, Shining Armor turned and left.

“Thanks, sir.” Div said drily as he heaved me into a sitting position to get more air.

Div was half-carrying, half-supporting me as we made to return to my suite. I was startled by the sudden appearance of the Crystal Castle Librarian, Lexicon. “Your Highness, if I may I have one more thing you may be interested in.”

I groaned as I took my own weight back on my hooves. “Frankly, Lex, I am most interested in my bed at the moment.”

Lexicon passed me a book in his magic. I took it in hoof and looked at the midnight blue cover. It was covered in a silver illustration of a field under a full moon. Turning the tome on its side, I read the title aloud, “‘Controlling the Dream Realm’?”